Bukharian Community Marks 50

Last Sunday, March 17, the 50th anniversary of the Bukharian Jewish Community foundation in the USA was celebrated.

The Gala Dinner event took place at the Center, and the guest of honor was President of the World Congress of Bukharian Jews, Lev Leviev, prominent businessman, philanthropist, whose parents R’ Avner and Chana Leviev’s names are proudly displayed on the premises of the Center’s building. The executive’s of the institution are the Rebbe’s Shluchim Rabbi Zalman Zvulonov and Rabbi Yitzchak Wolowik.

Leviev awarded President and members of the Board of Directors of the Center: Boris Matatov, Leon Nektalov, Boris Kandhorov, Edward Shamaev, Mikhail Yusupov, Edward Yusupov, Reuven Yusupov, Alexander Davydov, Michael Zavulunov, and the President of the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the USA and Canada Boris Kandov.

A special booklet was published for the 50th anniversary of the Center. It contains letters of congratulations from eminent politicians of the USA and Israel: US Vice President Joe Biden, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senator Charles Schumer, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and many others.

Vice Chairman of Merkos Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, New York City Comptroller Mr. John Liu, president of the Center Mr. Simcha Alishayev, delivered congratulatory speeches to the members of the community.

There were 250 people present. Notable politicians of Queens were among them: the New York City Council member Karen Koslowitz, Senator Toby Stavisky and Congresswoman Grace Meng.

The ceremony was conducted by The Bukahrian Times newspaper Chief Editor Rafael Nektalov and popular American actor “Modi”.

The Mazal Tov ensemble’s (Albert Narkallaev and Rochelle Rubin) performance was a huge success.

All funds raised at the event will be used for educational programs development and support of arts and culture at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center.

The Dinner was organized successfully by Rabbi Yisroel Zilbershtrom.