Borough President Donovan Richards lit a memorial candle at the 54th Queens Jewish Community Center gala.
Photo by Iryna Shkurhan
Following the unprecedented attack on Israel almost two weeks ago, the 54th Queens Jewish Community Council Gala almost didn’t happen this year.
The annual fundraising event helps fund various social services that QJCC carries out in Queens, including a food pantry and assistance acquiring affordable health insurance. As an umbrella organization, they connect 130 Jewish organizations in Queens and host the yearly Jewish Music Under the Stars at Cunningham Park. While the group is non denominal, it works to advocate for the concerns of the Jewish community.
This year’s event held on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Da Mikele Illagio in Elmhurst specifically honored Michael Nussbaum for his lifelong achievements to the Queens Jewish community. It also hoped to designate some of the raised funds for new QJCC offices.
But with the surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, and the subsequent war that is unfolding in the region, the conflict was on everyone’s minds. Elected city officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and City Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli delivered remarks. From the borough, District Attorney Melinda Katz and Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. also expressed solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community in Queens.
“Especially in Queens now, after the way politicians have reacted over the last eleven days, it’s been kind of heartening to hear that they have a grasp of the situation and understand the vulnerabilities and what the concerns are,” said Mayer Waxman, executive director of QJCC, who organized the event and mentioned that they strongly considered canceling this year.
Council Members Lynn Schulman, Linda Lee, Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, Sandra Ung and James Gennaro collectively presented QJCC with a proclamation and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams made an appearance early on in the night…
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