JIQ BOYS’ JOURNAL #27
The halls and gymnasiums of JIQ Boys’ Middle and High School have rarely seen a month quite like this one. From the basketball court to the classroom, from a crime prevention seminar led by an NYPD officer to a landmark visit from renowned philanthropist and World Bukharian Congress President Lev Leviev, the students of JIQ experienced something that goes beyond any single lesson or event.
That’s what makes JIQ unique: a school where Torah values, athletics, leadership, and community don’t compete — they strengthen one another.
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF THE LIONS: MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL CLUB
The future of the JIQ Lions Basketball Team is already taking shape through the school’s growing Basketball Club for the 7th and 8th grades, spearheaded by Coach Chris.
Meeting once a week, the club gives younger students the opportunity to sharpen their basketball fundamentals while learning discipline, teamwork, and commitment. From practicing layups, dribbling drills, passing techniques, conditioning exercises, and defensive footwork, the boys are gaining the skills necessary to potentially join the Lions program in the years ahead.
Coach Chris has poured tremendous energy into helping the younger boys improve while also creating a positive and motivating atmosphere in the gym. The students eagerly look forward to each session, understanding that every drill and every practice brings them one step closer toward representing JIQ on the varsity level.
More than just basketball, the club teaches perseverance, sportsmanship, and accountability—values that align directly with the mission of JIQ.
CRIME PREVENTION SEMINAR WITH NYPD PATROLMAN ROBERT SEMLER
JIQ was also privileged to welcome a special guest speaker to the high school. On Friday, April 24th, Robert Semler, a respected New York City patrolman, visited the school to speak with Dr. Plotnick’s Forensics class, along with the rest of the high school students.
During the engaging 40-minute presentation, Officer Semler discussed the topic of crime prevention, offering practical advice and real-life insights from his experiences serving in New York City. Students learned about situational awareness, personal responsibility, decision-making, and how law enforcement works to keep communities safe.
The lecture connected especially well with Dr. Plotnick’s Forensics curriculum, giving students a valuable opportunity to see how classroom learning applies in the real world. Throughout the presentation, the boys listened attentively and asked thoughtful questions, showing maturity and curiosity about the topics discussed.
A special thank you goes to Dr. Plotnick for arranging and inviting such an informative and impactful speaker to address the students. His dedication to bringing meaningful educational experiences into the classroom continues to greatly enrich the boys’ learning.
LAG BAOMER COLOR WAR: COMPETITION, RUACH, AND TEAM SPIRIT
One of the most exciting events of the year erupted this month with the start of the annual Lag BaOmer Color War. The school transformed into a sea of energy and color as students were divided into four teams: Red, Blue, White, and Black.
Led by the school’s dedicated class representatives, the teams battled it out in a series of spirited competitions and athletic events. The boys competed fiercely in soccer games, football matchups, and relay races, all while cheering passionately for their teammates.
The atmosphere throughout the day was electric. Every point scored and every race completed brought chants, excitement, and school spirit echoing throughout the grounds.
After the competitions, everyone gathered together for a delicious barbecue, lovingly prepared by Mr. Inoyatov along with several students who volunteered their time to help cook and serve the food. The barbecue gave the boys a chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy the achdut and friendship that define the JIQ community.
The Color War excitement is not over yet. The highly anticipated Rebbe vs. Teacher Basketball Game is set to take place next week as the grand closing event of the competition. Anticipation is already building as students eagerly wait to see which side will claim bragging rights.
The following is a passage written in Hebrew by Jacob Abdurahmanov a student in our 11th grade who is speaking about Lag BaOmer:
אני תלמיד בבית הספר “JIQ”. השם שלי יעקב אבדורחמנוב ואני בכיתה י״א. בגלל יום שלישי היא ל״ג בעומר הבית הספר שלי עושים אירוע בפארק. הכול תלמידים ומורים באים לפארק, ואנחנו עושים מלחמה של צבעים. במלחמה של צבעים יש ארבע נבחרות: אדומה, כחולה, שחורה, לבנה. כל הנבחרות צריכים לשחק כדורגל וגם כדורגל אמריקאי. גם בפארק אנחנו עושים אש גדולה ושרים שירים מסביב האש גדולה כמו ״בר יוחו״ וגם ״ה יתברך״. אנחנו נשארים בפארק מ-11:00 בבוקר עד אחת אחר הצהריים. אחר כך אנחנו עושים על האש בבית הספר. בעל האש אנחנו אוכלים הרבה בשר עוף תפוח אדמה וסלטים. אנחנו אוכלים עד שתיים אחר הצהריים. ואחר כך אנחנו מתפללים תפילת מנחה והולכים לבית. ובסוף אני אוהב האירוע הזה אבל בשנה הבאה אני מקווה להישאר בפארק עוד שעה אחת ומשחק משחקים אחרים.
A HISTORIC VISIT FROM LEV LEVIEV
Perhaps the most meaningful moment of the month came when the students and staff of JIQ had the tremendous honor of welcoming Mr. Lev Leviev, the president of the World Bukharian Congress, to the school for the first time in years.
As the primary supporter and benefactor of the JIQ schools and many of their programs and activities, Mr. Leviev’s visit carried enormous significance. Gathering together in the school, the boys listened attentively as he addressed them with powerful words about philanthropy, responsibility, Torah values, and charity.
Mr. Leviev emphasized that while financial success can provide opportunities, money itself is meaningless without Torah, chessed, and giving back to others. His message deeply resonated with the students, many of whom were inspired by his humility and dedication to supporting Jewish education and the Bukharian Jewish community worldwide.
In a particularly emotional moment, senior student Moshe Ismailov delivered a heartfelt speech both in Russian and in English, expressing the gratitude of the graduating class and the student body as a whole. His words beautifully conveyed the appreciation that the students, faculty, and families feel toward Mr. Leviev for his unwavering support of Jewish education and the future of the community.
The visit was a truly unforgettable experience and served as a reminder of the tremendous impact one individual can have when guided by Torah values and generosity.
From the basketball court to the classroom, from Color War fields to inspirational speeches, the boys of JIQ continue to grow into young men of leadership, character, and purpose. Every event this month reflected the school’s mission of combining Torah values with personal growth, community involvement, and school pride.
The energy at JIQ continues to build—and the year is far from over.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, and Maaser money can be used.
Please call 718-480-0900
or email office@jiqboys.org
for more information.
By Moshe Tuvia Ailyarov
