Celebrating 600 Issues: 13 Years Of Milestones, Memories, And Much Gratitude

I can hardly believe it: 13 incredible years! The Queens Jewish Link has been hard at work for 13 years strong, sharing stories of triumph, laughter, and inspiration from our ever-evolving Torah communities, the growth of their institutions, and the unwavering support of our elected officials. From the very first issue, it has been a journey of joy and a privilege to capture the unique experiences of our communities – week after week, issue after issue. It’s not just about the words on the page; it’s about the people, the achievements, and the love that have shaped this endeavor. And now, here we are, celebrating our 600th issue – a true bar mitzvah moment!

As our annual networking event approaches this upcoming Wednesday evening in the beautiful main sanctuary and ballroom at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, I am absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support and passion from all corners of our vibrant Jewish community. Rabbosai, sheish mei’os gilyonos itonim! That’s no small feat! First and foremost, I express my deepest gratitude to Hashem Yisbarach for giving us the strength and guidance to embark on this weekly mission and reach this milestone. We are exceedingly fortunate to have such an amazing team of columnists, advertisers, and, of course, our committed loyal readers like you who have been instrumental throughout.

Recognizing those who stand out for embodying our core Jewish values completes a meaningful celebration. The QJL is incredibly thrilled to bestow nationally-acclaimed WABC radio superstar Sid Rosenberg with the King David Award – his second one, mind you. Sid’s fervor for the Land of Israel and her people is unparalleled!

We are beyond proud to honor Dr. Paul Brody of Great Neck – raised in Kew Gardens Hills – with the Jewish Activism Award. From day one, Paul has zealously promoted the Queens Jewish Link, especially on Long Island. I’ve had the privilege of watching him and his esteemed wife Drora rise to prominence as leaders in advocating for the well-being of klal Yisrael. Their inspiring work extends beyond New York, reaching as far as Eretz Yisrael, where they continue to make a lasting impact.

The QJL would not be the same without the respected political commentary found in the Frontlines column by Rabbi Dr. Joseph Frager. His words have consistently elevated our discussions while outwardly showcasing some of the finest leadership tactics found in the Jewish arena. We present Dr. Frager, our columnist of 13 years, with the Jewish Leadership Award, as a token of our appreciation for making a profound impact with his unwavering commitment to defending our beloved values and standing firm against anti-Israel rhetoric without fear of reprisal.

We are inspired by our honorees – three remarkable individuals who have devoted their lives to fighting for peace and serenity for am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.

Acharon acharon chaviv, I want to recognize the brilliant minds and heartbeats of our team. Without the wit and wisdom of my Co-Publisher and Managing Editor Naftali Szrolovits, I’d probably still be wondering how to get the inaugural issue off the ground. Where would we be without the practical counseling of our Senior Advisor Rabbi Yaniv Meirov of Chazaq fame? As a community visionary, Rabbi Meirov’s beacon of influence has shaped QJL endeavors since our launch.

Special mention goes to our Assistant to the Publishers Shabsie Saphirstein, our Chief Copy Editor Rabbi Yisroel Benedek, and our esteemed Rabbinic Advisor Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld. I congratulate our multifaceted distribution team led by Avi Conway and assisted by Gabe Solomon, covering every Jewish corner of Queens, Long Island, and beyond. I thank our array of educational institutions, organizational powerhouses, and elected officials who have provided our stellar writers with ample material, and of course, to our advertisers – many of whom have been by our side from the very beginning.

Looking back over the past 13 years, I’m reminded of all the incredible highlights. From the September 2017 establishment of this publication, the Bukharian Jewish Link, a sister affiliate of QJL, which has connected and uplifted the Queens Jewish Bukharian community, to our March 2013 collaboration with Rabbi Moshe Kinderlehrer creating the Jewish Link, addressing Jewish communities across Northern and Central New Jersey, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester in New York, and Connecticut – each historic milestone has been another sensational page chronicled. We are eagerly looking forward to celebrating the 200th edition of the BJL this Spring, and with Hashem’s help, Moshe and his amazing team will hit 600 issues in just a few months.

With heartfelt thanks,

Yaakov Serle

Co-Publisher, Queens Jewish Link

Publisher, Bukharian Jewish Link