News

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has shaken many long-held assumptions about the Jewish community as it confronts a crisis of leadership, finance, and faith. In Queens, the divisions within the Jewish community were laid bare last Monday when Governor Andrew Cuomo declared in a press conference, “We’re going to close the schools in those areas tomorrow, and that’s that.”

The recent electoral gains by candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America have inspired the group to increase its effort to boycott Israel. Last week, NY1 political reporter Zach Fink shared an excerpt of the DSA questionnaire for New York City Council candidates. “Do you pledge not to travel to Israel if elected to City Council in solidarity with Palestinians living under occupation?”

Rabbi Manfred Gans, 96, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Machane Chodosh, devoted shepherd to a diverse flock in Forest Hills, died on Sunday, leaving memories of a multifaceted life that touched thousands of people from many walks of life.

The Queens Jewish Community Council, the nonprofit that represents the interests, promotes culture, and provides social services to the sizable and diverse Jewish population of this borough, held its annual legislative breakfast at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates last Sunday. The lawmakers who were present spoke of their efforts to strengthen the connection with Israel and serving the needs of the Jewish community.

In a time of division within the Democratic Party and efforts to build bridges between the black and Jewish communities, Councilman Donovan Richards, 35, seeks to unite Queens by running for Borough President in the Tuesday, March 24, special election. Earlier this month, he made his case at the Forest Hills home of Manny Behar, speaking before a packed living room to his friends and neighbors. “We have a rich history together, and we cannot go back,” Richards said. “The Council created the office to combat hate crimes to see the factors and look at the numbers.”

In the tight, open-seat race for Queens Borough President, the Jewish vote has been sought by all the candidates, as they address anti-Semitism, tout their pro-Israel advocacy, and speak of issues that matter to the community. Former Middle Village Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, 42, is well-known among Jewish community leaders and activists, and this past Sunday she spoke at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills on her qualifications for leading The World’s Borough.