Young Visionaries Recognized for Building a Stronger, Brighter Future
The future of the Bukharian Jewish community shined brightly as 25 student leaders from seven universities across New York City and Long Island were honored at the Sephardic American Mizrahi Initiative (SAMi) awards ceremony.
The evening opened with proud personal milestones, as two standout individuals were recognized for their contributions to campus life. Danielle Babaev received the Emerging Leadership Award for her dynamic energy and commitment to strengthening Jewish identity among her peers. Emily Nisimov was presented with the Innovation Award, applauded for her creative programming that has brought fresh vitality to her campus community.
Building on this momentum, the newly established SAMi chapter at Stony Brook University was celebrated for its rapid growth and strong presence. Though still in its early stages, the chapter has already become a vital force for Bukharian Jewish engagement, inspiring students to take ownership of their heritage and leadership roles.
A true highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Strength and Resilience Award to the Bukharian Cultural Club at Queens College. Honored for its dedication to cultural preservation and community building, the club stood out as a model of leadership rooted deeply in tradition while actively meeting the challenges of modern campus life.
Although the ceremony took place on March 31, its impact continues to ripple through the community. SAMi founder and CEO Manashe Khaimov reflected on the significance of the event, sharing, “This celebration highlighted just how strong and united our Bukharian presence is across campuses. Our students are not just participating — they are leading.”
Support from community organizations, including UJA-Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), has helped strengthen initiatives like SAMi’s, ensuring that young leaders have the tools they need to succeed.
More than a celebration of achievements, the awards ceremony reflected the energy of a growing movement. As young leaders continue to rise, the Bukharian Jewish community is poised to shape the future of Jewish life across campuses and beyond.
By BJL Staff
Shaping Tomorrow: SAMi Honors Bukharian Jewish Leaders Across NY
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