Each year, the leaders of the Bukharian Jewish community in New York designate one evening of Chanukah to ensure the future of the Jewish people.
This year’s 10th annual dinner celebrated the marked success of the five institutions of Ohr Avner and the Jewish Institute of Queens — founded by philanthropist Mr. Levi Leviev — in providing quality Jewish education and instilling Jewish pride in every young member of the community.
The central hall of Da Mikele Illagio, at the center of the bustling Queens Boulevard, was packed to capacity. Eight hundred friends and supporters crowded into the room for an evening of entertainment, camaraderie, and vision. Community members, philanthropists, educators, parents and grandparents all paid homage to the dedicated work of the Shluchim who lead the community: Rabbi Zalman Zvulonov, Rabbi Levi Wolowik, and Rabbi Shmuel Kogan.
The evening opened when Mr. Michael Aronov broke into the massive challah, ushering in the first of ten courses that were served throughout the evening. He was followed by opening statements from philanthropist Dudi Farkash, a close friend of the community, who served as the Master of Ceremonies.
R’ Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin, who marked five years to his miraculous release, was honored with lighting the menorah. He gave over a warm message of faith and trust in Hashem, retelling anecdotes and stories from his experiences in prison. Long after his speech, a long line of dinner attendees approached him for a personal moment of encouragement and an autographed copy of his book.
In between speeches, famed singer Yishai Lapidot entertained the assembled with song, accompanied by Mendy Jacobson, and the Mezamrim Choir headed by Chilu Posen. Tehillim recital was led by new Shliach Rabbi David Shushan, who just joined the community to work with teens, and Rabbi Chagai Niazov, a teacher in the boys high school.
After a meaningful video of the Rebbe which dwelled on the theme of Hakhel, the screens played a special message from the patron and founder of the institutions, Mr. Leviev, president of the World Bukharian Jewish Congress.
In what turned out to be a seamless transition from his message about investing in a young generation, a twelfth-grade student ascended to the dais. Margarita Barayev spoke about the amazing experiences she had being raised in the embrace of the Ohr Avner community, starting from age 4 in preschool, all the way through her soon-to-be high school graduation. She thanked the dedicated staff of teachers and principals and presented flowers to the secretaries of the institutions.
The “People of the Year” were called up to receive their accolades:
First, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards spoke about his amazing trip to Israel and about his continued commitment to the Jewish community and its institutions. He was presented an award by Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, and Boris Kadanov, president of the Bukharian Jewish Congress in the United States.
Mr. Yosef and larisa Khaimov were presented an award by Mr. Michael Zvulonov, a philanthropist and member of the community board, and from the president of Bucharian Jewish Community Center, Mr. Leon Nektalov.
Honoree Mr. Roman Avulov apologized for the absence of his wife, Diana — herself a alumnus of the institutions — due to the auspicious birth of their son.
Mr. David and Iris Nektalov were presented an award by the chief rabbi of the Bukharian community of the United States and Canada, Rabbi Baruch Babayov, and the rabbi of the young community, Rabbi Asher Veknin.
Rabbi Babayov praised Mr. Avulov for his significant philanthropic engagements and for his warm spot for educational institutions which ensure the Jewish future. He encouraged everyone to learn from his example.
A surprise guest was Rami Sherman, who shared the story of his life as an officer in the IDF alongside Yoni Netanyahu, the famed officer who was killed during the historic Entebbe operation. He shared unknown stories about the celebrated operation and spoke about the continued capabilities of the army of the Jewish people.
Throughout the evening, new dedications and donations were announced, including the purchase of new buildings and the expansion of existing ones in light of the heightened enrollment for the coming school year. It was powerful to see the alumni themselves, young professionals who have succeeded in their own lives, declaring their commitments to the continuation of the schools that gave them so much.
The evening concluded with lively Chanukah songs, as the entire crowd joined in a spirited dance — celebrating the past and looking forward to a bright future.
