Community
When Congresswoman Grace Meng visited the Martin Lande House Senior Residence in Flushing on December 5 to announce $850,000 in federal Community Project Funding, it was fitting that one of the building’s most respected residents welcomed her — in Russian — on behalf of his neighbors.
Dr. Yuzef Murdakhaev, 90, a retired botanist and widely admired Bukharian Jewish intellectual, introduced Meng to Russian-speaking residents of the 19-story senior apartment complex, operated by Selfhelp Community Services. The residence is home to nearly 300 seniors, including many longtime members of Queens’ Bukharian Jewish community.
Still active and outspoken at 90, Murdakhaev is a familiar presence at Jewish events throughout the building. When he is not organizing communal gatherings, he spends his time painting portraits, tending carefully to his indoor plants, and continuing his lifelong engagement with science and history. In his bedroom hangs a genealogy chart tracing his family lineage back nearly two centuries — a testament to his deep respect for heritage and continuity.
Earlier this year, Murdakhaev published his memoirs, Change of Status – A Life of Science, a bilingual volume chronicling his family history, academic achievements, and journey immigrating to New York. The book has been warmly received within the community, where he is regarded as a bridge between generations — a scholar who lectures on Jewish history and science while remaining deeply grounded in family life, spending holidays and vacations with his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Many in the Bukharian Jewish community already know Murdakhaev as a tireless organizer and respected intellectual, and Meng was told during her visit how significant his presence remains at age 90.
Federal Investment in Senior Dignity and Safety
The $850,000 in funding announced by Meng will support critical capital improvements at the Martin Lande House Senior Residence, enhancing safety, comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The funding was secured through federal Community Project Funding and presented during a press conference held on site.
According to reporting by QNS.com, the Martin Lande House is an affordable senior home developed and maintained by Selfhelp Realty Group. The planned upgrades include rehabilitation of the building’s exterior façade, improved insulation, and other measures designed to reduce energy use and bring the property into compliance with New York State energy codes.
“These improvements will make the residence more welcoming and secure for the nearly 300 seniors who call it home,” QNS.com reported.
The December 5 event drew numerous elected officials and community leaders, including Council Member Sandra Ung, Selfhelp CEO Stuart Kaplan, and Lisa Trub, executive director of Selfhelp Realty Group and the Melamid Institute for Affordable Housing, along with dozens of residents.
Meng emphasized that advocating for seniors has long been a priority of her work in Congress. “I believe that we must always be there for older adults in our borough,” she said, according to QNS.com.
Resident Gloria Fang, who has lived in the building for 27 years and chairs the tenant council, spoke about long-standing safety concerns and thanked both elected officials and the Selfhelp maintenance team for addressing issues such as scaffolding and building upkeep.
A Community That Ages Together
For residents like Dr. Murdakhaev, the announcement represented more than infrastructure funding — it was an affirmation that seniors deserve to age with dignity, safety, and cultural connection.
Council Member Ung, who represents several Selfhelp facilities, underscored the importance of affordable senior housing that allows elders to remain in their communities. Selfhelp leaders echoed this sentiment, noting that investments in sustainability and quality of life are essential as Queens’ senior population continues to grow.
Within the Bukharian Jewish community, figures like Murdakhaev embody the living legacy of scholarship, resilience, and civic engagement. At 90, his voice continues to shape communal life, reminding younger generations that leadership does not retire.
As federal investment strengthens the walls of the Martin Lande House, it is elders like Dr. Yuzef Murdakhaev who continue to strengthen its soul.
Sergey Kadinskiy
Queens, New York