Erin Levi
On November 18, the Bukharian Jewish community reached a significant milestone when grassroots leaders and major social service organizations gathered for an unprecedented conversation about mental health and community support.
Co-hosted by UJA-Federation of New York and the Bukharian Jewish Congress, the morning convening marked the first time organizations already serving the Queens-based Bukharian community came together to coordinate their efforts.
«It was an incredible meeting—first of its kind, hosted by the UJA and Bukharian Congress,» said Chagit Leviev Sofiev, President of the Bukharian Congress of USA and Canada. «It was the first time where major organizations that work already in Queens and service the Bukharian community have been getting together for a conversation.»
A number of notable Bukharian leaders participated—such as Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, Diana Rachnaev, and Lyudmila Mierova.
Bridging the Information Gap
The gathering addressed a critical challenge: while numerous organizations provide services to the Bukharian community, many community members remain unaware of available resources or how to access them.
«There are so many organizations that already have services in our community, but there’s not enough knowledge or information about what they do or how they can be reached,» Leviev Sofiev explained. «So it was very important to bring that conversation forward here about each organization, what they do, how they help the community, how they can further help the community, who can be a point of contact for people that reach out to us.»
A Diverse Coalition
The convening brought together thirteen organizations spanning mental health services, social support, domestic violence prevention, and community development, including: All About Kindness; Amudim; Bukharian Jewish Congress; COJECO (serving the broader Russian-speaking community); Commonpoint Queens; Queens Family Justice Center (Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence); Ohel Child and Family Services; Orthodox Union Women’s Initiative; JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association); The Jewish Board; Special Neshamas; UJA-Federation of New York; and Yesodot
Structured Dialogue and Action Planning
The morning session, facilitated by Ayelet Pearl of UJA-Federation, followed a comprehensive agenda designed to foster collaboration. After breakfast and networking, participants heard from Lindsay Dennis-Litinger of UJA and Diana Rachnaev of Yesodot, who provided historical context on mental health and social services in Queens.
Diana Rachnaev, CEO and Co-founder of Yesodot, engaged in the process as part of an ongoing collaboration with UJA to map community priorities, connect with lay leaders, and enhance pathways to services. The discussion underscored shared goals—expanding access, reducing stigma, and fostering long-term wellbeing.
«When our community comes together, healing becomes possible,» Rachnaev shared.
The convening then moved through three substantive sessions: exploring community challenges and needs, examining case studies in breakout groups, and mapping the existing service landscape. The goal was clear—to create a shared action plan demonstrating strong collaboration, clear communication, and a commitment to filling service gaps while building trusted connections across communities.
Central to the discussion was how to foster cultural sensitivity in outreach and establish clear referral pathways between Bukharian community-based organizations and larger service providers.
Voices from the Field
Lyudmila Mierova, founder of All About Kindness, reflected on the importance of the collaborative approach.
“At All About Kindness, we believe that true change begins with listening,” she said. “By listening, understanding, and stepping forward together, we are strengthening the heartbeat of our community and expanding the horizons of what support can look like.”
She added, “We are deeply grateful to UJA for bringing together the very organizations we’ve partnered with over the years and for opening doors to new opportunities within the Bukharian community. Their commitment to uniting agencies, sharing resources, and strengthening collaboration directly empowers us at All About Kindness to help families move from crisis to stability. UJA’s leadership ensures that no family is left behind, and together, we are building a stronger, future to help our community thrive. [We are] also grateful for Chagit Leviev’s leadership as the new President of the Bukharian Congress.”
Looking Ahead
This inaugural gathering represents just the beginning. «We’re going to start a series,» Leviev Sofiev confirmed, signaling an ongoing commitment to strengthening the support network for the Bukharian community.
As the session concluded with next steps and closing remarks, participants left with a clearer understanding of the communal landscape and new partnerships to support one of Queens’ most vibrant communities. The convening demonstrated that when organizations come together with a shared purpose, they can better serve those who need support while honoring the unique cultural identity of the Bukharian Jewish community.