Community Corner

On Sunday morning, May 18, the stunning Cipriani 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan set the stage for Met Council’s Annual Legislative Breakfast. In a venue known for hosting the most elegant affairs in the city, hundreds of leaders from across government, law, and communal service came together to celebrate the mission of Met Council: providing dignity, stability, and support to over 325,000 New Yorkers annually. From the heart of Midtown, this event radiated a bold reminder that fighting poverty is not a partisan issue — it’s a moral obligation.

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.

Keeping our community safe and respectful takes vigilance and swift action. On Tuesday evening, May 12, members of Queens Shmira discovered a troubling sight during their routine patrol in Kew Gardens Hills. Stop signs in the vicinity of 72^nd Road and Vleigh Place had been defaced with stickers bearing the word “Genocide.” Without hesitation, the patrol team took immediate action to remove the stickers.

Curtis Sliwa, known for his grassroots activism and dedication to public safety, brought his dynamic energy to the streets of Kew Gardens Hills this past Sunday. His visit was more than a campaign stop; it was an opportunity to engage with residents, understand their concerns, and share his vision for the community’s future.

In a major victory against organized crime, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the NYPD and New York State Police, has dismantled one of the most sophisticated vehicle theft rings in New York City history. Dubbed “Operation Hellcat,” this three-year investigation led to the indictment of 20 individuals accused of stealing 126 cars valued at more than $4.6 million.

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.