Rabbi Blesofsky of the Chabad of Northeast Queens spoke at the vigil in Key Gardens Hills on Monday.
Photo by Iryna Shkurhan
New York City is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the world, with a population of 1.6 million totaling greater than the Jewish population in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem combined. Each borough has its enclaves where that concentration is felt and seen.
While Brooklyn is known for its Hasidic Jewish communities in Williamsburg, Borough Park and Midwood, Queens is unique for its booming Russian-speaking Jewish population, especially in Forest Hills, Rego Park and Fresh Meadows, over the last 30 years.
From 2002 to 2011, the Jewish population in Queens rose by 11% to approximately 200,000. And while more recent data is not readily available yet, Jewish leaders estimate that recent demographic shifts contributed to more growth in the population.
Since the deadly Hamas led incursion on Israel began on Oct. 7, Jewish residents in Queens, many of whom have family in Israel, are left glued to the news. Using Whatsapp and social media, they have also been able to stay in touch with their loved ones and confirm their safety.
Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky, who leads the Chabad of Northeast Queens in Bayside, says that he has many loved ones in Israel, including some who are in the armed forces. Those on the front lines in particular have been difficult to contact over the past few days.
“I don’t think there’s anybody in my community that doesn’t have loved ones in Israel,” Rabbi Blesofsky told QNS. “Whoever I speak with is in the same situation — they have cousins, friends, children, acquaintances. We absolutely all have people that were impacted by this incredible attack.”
He also acknowledges that being safe in Queens while more violence unfolds and the civilian death tolls rises on both sides has brought up feelings of guilt and powerlessness. With NYPD counterterrorism tasked with protecting Jewish institutions…
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