PHILANTHROPY
After a long-awaited return to the United States, renowned philanthropist and community leader Lev Leviev made a triumphant visit to New York City, leaving a trail of milestones and heartfelt moments in the wake of his eight-day visit.
BUILDING THE FUTURE
Leviev’s visit included several significant accomplishments for the Bukharian Jewish community. At the Jewish Institute of Queens (JIQ), he broke ground on a new girls’ high school, Ohr Chana, which will expand the school’s capacity by relocating the high school girls from JIQ to a new site in Forest Hills. Construction is now underway.
A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER
Leviev also participated in the fundraising dinner on May 7, 2026 for the Ganeinu School, whose brand-new building at 64-41 Utopia Parkway is currently in its final stages of construction and is expected to open for summer camps and the upcoming school year this September.
Despite the building still being mid-construction, the community transformed it into a stunning event venue — Chagit could hardly believe it was the same space from just two days prior.
Approximately 180 guests attended, which raised several million dollars. Donors were given the opportunity to dedicate a classroom in their name for $101,000 — “people are happy to donate and have their name somewhere,” as Chagit noted — a model that clearly resonated with a community eager to invest in its future.
The spirit of the evening reflected a community that has grown and evolved. “It was amazing and unbelievable what we have seen,” Chagit said of the outpouring of generosity. “How the community has changed and they want to take part in investing in the Jewish future here.”
A VISIT TO CROWN HEIGHTS
In Crown Heights, Leviev visited Ohel Chabad and was granted rare access to the Rebbe’s private home — not open to the general public — a deeply meaningful experience for any visitor. During the visit, Chagit shared a glimpse into the home’s historic garage, where the Rebbe’s 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham remains preserved to this day. The visit also included the legendary broadcast room at 770 Eastern Parkway — groundbreaking technology in its time that allowed the Rebbe’s messages to be transmitted to Jewish communities around the world.
A GIFT TO CHABAD
During his time in Crown Heights, Leviev made a surprise announcement at the prestigious Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim — that he would be donating a new wing to the historic yeshiva, extending his philanthropy well beyond the Bukharian community to Chabad as a whole.
A BASHERT MOMENT
One of the most touching moments of the trip came unexpectedly at 770 Eastern Parkway, where Leviev encountered a group of women who had been students at his underground Jewish schools in the former Soviet Union — in Belarus and Ukraine — before making Aliyah to Israel. Many were visiting Crown Heights and the Ohel for the very first time. They were overcome with emotion, standing before the man who shaped their Jewish lives. “They couldn’t believe they saw him,” Chagit recalled. “He’s a hero to them.”
OFFICE HOURS
Throughout the eight-day visit, Leviev held community meetings nearly every night until 1:00 in the morning, working through issues and charting the future of the community. On Lag BaOmer, he participated in a live interview at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center, followed by the traditional bonfire celebration.
The warmth and excitement from the community throughout his visit was unlike anything seen before. “The community really loves him and missed him,” said Chagit. “It was very, very nice to see.”
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Leviev will return to the US soon — early June will bring the annual Bukharian Congress members’ retreat, a private, invitation-only gathering for members in the mountains of Colorado.
For the Bukharian Jewish community, his visit was more than a homecoming. It was a reminder that no matter how far the journey, the ties of Am Yisrael — the Jewish people — never fray.
By Erin Levi