On Sunday evening, January 11, more than 1,200 people filled the ballroom at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, for the Chazaq Gala Dinner. It was sold out, but what stood out most wasn’t the crowd size—it was the feeling in the room. From the moment guests arrived, there was a quiet understanding that this night carried weight. This was not just another dinner. It was about Jewish responsibility, Jewish continuity, and the future.
That sense was shaped in large part by the historic Florida visit of HaRishon LeZion, Nasi of Chazaq, Sephardic Chief of Eretz Yisrael, HaRav David Yosef. The MaRan's presence gave the evening a gravity that could be felt across the room. Conversations softened when MaRan entered, and there was a shared awareness that this was a rare moment—one that connected Florida’s growing Jewish communities directly to Torah leadership in Eretz Yisrael.
The evening opened with music by Gad Elbaz, whose voice carried easily through the ballroom. The melodies began softly and gradually lifted the room, setting a tone that was both reflective and hopeful. A video presentation followed, telling the story of Chazaq’s work in communities across the country—real children, real families, and real changes taking place in more than 25 locations nationwide.
After brief opening remarks by philanthropist Mr. Harry Adjimi, Rabbi David Ozeirey of the Yad Yosef Center in Brooklyn addressed the audience, speaking candidly about what Chazaq has come to represent in Jewish communities throughout the United States. Chazaq Director Rabbi Ilan Meirov then shared both data and personal stories, grounding the evening in the day-to-day reality of the organization’s work. More than 10,000 public-school students have been reached, and over 2,200 children have already transitioned into Jewish day schools—numbers that resonated because each one represented a child whose Jewish future looks different because someone cared.
A meaningful portion of the evening was dedicated to honoring supporters who have helped make that work possible. Mr. and Mrs. Kobi Karp were recognized for Mr. Karp’s internationally acclaimed career as founder of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design and for their long-standing commitment to Jewish causes. Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Ilishayev were honored for Mr. Ilishayev’s role as co-founder and co-CEO of GoPuff, and for their vision and generosity. Mr. and Mrs. Shalom Zirkiev, with Mr. Zirkiev, founder of Rock Real Group, were acknowledged for their leadership and dedication to strengthening Jewish communal life. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Farah were recognized for Mr. Farah’s work as founder of Dr. Mobicare and for their consistent support of Jewish education and outreach.
One of the most personal moments of the night came with a tribute to Amar’e Stoudemire. A video traced his journey from a challenging childhood to NBA stardom, and then to a spiritual path that led him to Torah study in Jerusalem. The room watched quietly as his story unfolded—not as a celebrity narrative, but as a human one. Today, Stoudemire serves as an ambassador for Chazaq, using his platform to inspire others toward growth and connection.
The emotional center of the evening arrived when HaRishon LeZion entered the ballroom. The entire room stood in unison, applause filling the space as he made his way to the podium. In MaRan's address, the Rav spoke not as a distant figure, but as someone deeply familiar with Chazaq’s work. MaRan reflected on more than a decade of involvement with the organization and spoke openly about the responsibility facing Jewish communities in the Diaspora.
“We all bear the responsibility to preserve the Jewish ember,” MaRan said. “This is the mission of an entire generation. We cannot stand idly by. Every soul of a Jewish child is an entire world.”
There was no rush to clap when MaRan finished. People sat with his words, and the applause that followed was long and heartfelt. In the days afterward, clips of MaRan's remarks circulated widely, with many attendees describing his address as the moment that stayed with them most.
As the evening continued, guests shared a gourmet dinner and conversations that felt more purposeful than typical gala small talk. Adding to the significance of the night was the presence of an extraordinary gathering of rabbinic leadership. More than fifty rabbanim came to show support for Chazaq’s mission, among them the Chief Rabbi of the Bukharian Community, HaRav Yitzchak Yisraeli, and HaRav Yosef Galamidi of the Safra Synagogue. Also in attendance were Rabbi Moshe Matz, Rabbi Abraham Dadoun, Rabbi Duvid Katz, Rabbi Ronen Abitbul, Rabbi Yaakov Blejer, Rabbi Shai Amar, Rabbi Chaim Frankel, and Rabbi Yair Massri, along with many other respected rabbinic and community leaders. Their collective presence sent a clear, unspoken message: across communities, backgrounds, and institutions, there is shared recognition that Jewish education and continuity must remain a central priority.
Chazaq CEO Rabbi Yaniv Meirov closed the evening by looking ahead speaking about Florida’s rapidly growing Jewish population, particularly families arriving from Israel, and the urgent need to expand access to Jewish education. Rabbi Meirov's message was practical, hopeful, and forward-looking—focused not on what was accomplished that night, but on what must come next.
In the days following the gala, photos and reflections shared online echoed the same sentiment: this was not just a successful event, but a turning point for many who attended. Set against the backdrop of HaRishon LeZion’s historic visit, the Chazaq Florida Gala became a reminder that Jewish continuity is built through moments like these—when leadership, community, and responsibility come together.
Born in Queens. Inspiring the Globe.
Chazaq Hosts Landmark Gala In Florida A Night of Inspiration, Unity, and Jewish Pride
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