The Jewish Institute of Queens (JIQ) hosted its 13th Annual Dinner on Tuesday evening, December 16, the third night of Chanukah, bringing together community leaders, parents, educators, and supporters for an evening that blended celebration, gratitude, and profound inspiration.
The dinner was held at Da Mikelle Ilagio, in Elmhurst, near the yeshivah that continues to grow under the leadership of Lev Avnerovich Leviev, an Israeli diamond magnate, investor, and philanthropist, widely known for his global business ventures and charitable activity. The event served both as a major fundraising milestone and as a reflection of the strong communal support surrounding the institution’s mission of Torah education and Jewish continuity.
This year’s dinner honored a diverse group of individuals representing leadership, family dedication, and public service. Among the honorees were Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, recognized for his continued engagement with and support of Queens’ Jewish community, along with Ruben and Alla Davidoff, Rabbi and Ahuva Nektalov, and Ilan and Michelle Elishayev, each acknowledged for their contributions to the yeshivah and the broader community.
Also recognized were Michael and Violetta Nektalova, young parents whose three sons are currently studying at the Jewish Institute of Queens, highlighting the role of families who actively invest in the next generation of Torah learners.
Among the distinguished guests was Ilya Mullzhanov, president of the Jewish community of Samarkand, reflecting the yeshivah’s strong ties to the Bukharian Jewish world. Renowned writer Yafa Borukhova was also featured for her cultural and literary contributions.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of Borukhova’s children’s book, You Are Not Looking Jew, which explores Jewish identity and pride. Copies were distributed to parents as part of an initiative to extend Jewish learning beyond the classroom and into the home. The book presentation was sponsored by Moshe Kalontara, president of the Name Foundation, together with Marik Kalontarov, in support of promoting meaningful Jewish literature for children.
The program was enhanced by live entertainment, including performances by The Turkish Band, Israeli vocalist Ben Denishman, and music by DJ Alex, adding warmth and celebratory spirit appropriate to the Chanukah setting.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came from Cohen Binyaminov, who shared a deeply personal account of his battle with a rapidly progressing illness. He described how doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering were forced to act swiftly, outlining multiple treatment options, including a bone marrow transplant.
Binyaminov spoke candidly about spending 23 days hospitalized, including six consecutive days of intensive chemotherapy, administered day and night. As he spoke, the room fell silent, with attendees reminded to give full respect to the gravity of the moment.
Despite the immense physical challenges, Binyaminov shared how he refused to abandon his role as an educator, recounting how his wife drove him to school on his final day before treatment.
“I went up to the second floor and met the principal, Mrs. Leah,” he recalled. “That same night, I understood that staying connected to life and purpose was itself a blessing.”
As the evening concluded, the message was clear: the Jewish Institute of Queens is more than a school—it is a living community shaped by leadership, resilience, faith, and families committed to Jewish education.
The 13th Annual Dinner served as a powerful reminder of that mission, illuminating the night with the enduring light of Chanukah.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
Jewish Institute of Queens Marks 13th Annual Dinner With Tribute, Inspiration, and Community Strength
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