Queens College marked a significant milestone on Sunday, May 12, as President Frank Wu joined a reception celebrating this year’s Jewish Studies graduates. Organized by Arnold Franklin, Director of Jewish Studies, the event honored students' achievements and gave them a chance to reflect on their academic journeys. President Wu’s presence underscored his support for the Jewish Studies program and the broader Jewish community at Queens College.

Held in Jerusalem, Israel – April 27-28

The inaugural JNS International Policy Summit, held at the Waldorf Astoria in Jerusalem on April 27-28, brought together political, religious, and media leaders to discuss Israel’s future. Against the stunning backdrop of Jerusalem, the event focused on Israel’s security, international diplomacy, and the internal challenges following the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists.

The atmosphere was palpable as well over a thousand individuals descended upon the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills—a shul envisioned by Rav Fabian Schonfeld, zt”l, as a central gathering place for the Queens Jewish community. One can only imagine the nachas he would have felt seeing every seat filled with Yiddishe neshamot striving to elevate themselves and their families, especially during the spiritually significant days of Sefirah. I had the privilege of marketing this vital event across the diverse neighborhoods of Queens, viewing it as a sacred duty to disseminate its crucial message.

A Gentle Soul With An Eye For Hashem’s Creation

With profound sorrow, the Queens Bukharian Jewish community joins in mourning the tragic and untimely murder of Yitzhak Alishayev z”l (Yitzchak ben Mazal)—known legally and occasionally as Igor—who was killed on Shabbos, May 3, during a nature photography trip in Turkey. He was 45 years old.