On Thursday, April 4, the Queens Jewish Link ran an ad expressing appreciation to Congress Member Grace Meng for being a steadfast supporter of the Jewish People and the State of Israel, in spite of near daily antagonization from pro-Palestinian forces at her place of work and residence. Community members led by Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, CEO of Chazaq, signed the ad on behalf of the Queens Jewish community. They included our co-publishers Yaakov Serle and Naftali Szrolovits, David Berger, Aaron Cyperstein, Nechemia Hoch, Sorolle Idels, Aaron Laub, Meshulam Lisker, Jennifer Martin, David Mordukhaev, Pesach Osina, Shimi Pelman, Alan Sherman, Linda Spiegel, and me.
We reiterated our heartfelt gratitude to Rep. Meng for her unwavering support for Israel during these challenging times. “Your dedication to standing up for what is right, despite facing protests and opposition even at your family residence this past Sunday, is truly commendable,” began the text. “Your leadership and commitment to fostering strong ties between our nations do not go unnoticed. It is reassuring to know that we have representatives like you who prioritize the values of peace, security, and eliminating evil wherever it exists.”
The community’s gratitude was highlighted this past Tuesday morning in front of the Chazaq headquarters where Congress Member Meng was presented a framed acknowledgement of our deep appreciation. Those present stated how we stand with Meng in her support of her stance on Israel. “Thank you for your steadfast advocacy and for always standing on the side of the Jewish community both in Queens, which you proudly represent, and nationwide, as you advocate from Washington at the US House of Representatives,” stated Rabbi Meirov.
The acknowledgement was attended by several signatories, as well as Rabbi Daniel Pollack, Meng’s longtime dedicated Jewish liaison; Victoria Zirkiev, Chazaq Women’s Division President; Natan Aboff, Robbie Aboff, Leora Meirov, and Israel Peskowitz of Chazaq; Aaron Herman, Associate Director serving AIPAC-Queens; and Stuart Verstandig.
“This is a politician, an elected official,” began QJCC President Barry Grodenchik, the program’s emcee. “She’s a mother, she’s a sister, she’s a daughter. She’s many, many different things, but she’s a friend to our community. The worse things get, the surer we can be that Grace Meng is on our side and has our back in the United States Congress.”
“On October 7, something unimaginable happened to all of us. I turned on my phone on October 8, after the chag was over, and there was a message, from Grace, ‘We’re here with you. We’re together thinking of you. Are you okay? How is your family?’ Who does that? What Congress Member does that?” praised Sorolle Idels, Chairperson of the Queens Jewish Alliance. “Every day prior, but specifically every day since, she has shown us not just with her words, but with her actions, how she’s with us and how we aren’t alone. Not only that, but she herself has been under attack. She herself has had people come into her offices and come to her home. Who needs that? It’s much easier to say I don’t need this. I’ll just be quiet. I don’t need to go to the other side. I can just be quiet. She’s not quiet. She still stands with us strongly and loudly, and we’re so proud to call you our Congresswoman.”
Yaakov Serle recounted Meng’s valiancy in standing up to President Obama against the Iran Deal, and how she joined the Queens Jewish community at a T’hilim gathering in support of the return of Israeli youth taken hostage. Serle reminded those gathered of a story Meng has told of her grandmother, who promoted the embrace of the Jewish people, saying, “If you bless the Jews, you’ll be blessed; and if you curse the Jews, you’ll be cursed.”
We thank Rep. Meng for her resilience, commitment to her constituants, and love for the land of Israel and the people of Israel.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
Photos By Natan Behar
