AVRAHAM JURAEV’S U.S. LEADERSHIP VISIT
US & ISRAEL
Avraham Juraev, the First Deputy Mayor of Ramle (also known as Ramla) and one of the most promising young politicians within Israel’s Bukharian Jewish community, recently concluded a working visit to the United States. The trip was part of a prestigious leadership program designed to prepare select Israeli public figures—those with proven track records and practical experience—for leadership roles on both national and international stages.
During the visit, Juraev studied modern political and administrative models utilized at both state and local government levels. The trip was far from a mere formality; it was deeply practical, focusing on the adoption of best practices, the study of decision-making mechanisms, and the strengthening of international ties.
HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS AND INSTITUTIONAL INSIGHTS
As part of the program, Juraev visited the U.S. Senate and the White House, where he observed the inner workings of key government institutions. He held meetings with: U.S. Senators; representatives of American Jewish communities; and prominent public figures.
Discussions centered on the interaction between municipal structures and state authorities, the role of NGOs in shaping political agendas, and the continued fortification of the Israel-U.S. relationship.
PERSONAL CONNECTIONS AND SPIRITUAL MOMENTS
Avraham Juraev expressed his gratitude to Roshel Yagudaev, who provided a nighttime tour of New York City and accompanied him to pray at the Ohel (the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe) in Queens.
Despite an intensive schedule, Juraev also found time to reconnect with relatives from both his mother’s and father’s sides—the Aronov and Juraev families.
REFECTIONS ON THE JOURNEY
Summing up the trip, Juraev noted: «I was deeply impressed by the scale, beauty, and power of the United States, the diverse channels of influence on our lives in Israel, and the vast potential for strengthening relationships with U.S. authorities, the multifaceted Jewish community, and our vital and devoted ally—the Evangelical community.»
HOWEVER, HE EXPRESSED SOME REGRET REGARDING THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE OFFICIAL ITINERARY:
«Due to limited time and the delegation’s pre-arranged schedule, I was unable to explore the life and activities of the Bukharian Jewish community in the U.S. in detail,» Juraev said. «I missed the chance to meet with Rafael Nektalov, Editor-in-Chief of The Bukharian Times, with whom I have maintained ties for many years. We had hoped to organize a press conference at the Bukharian Jewish Center and visit the Bukharian Jewish Heritage Museum and the Jewish Institute of Queens.»
He also noted that he was unable to meet with the President of the Bukharian Jewish Congress of the USA and Canada, Mr. Lev Leviev, who was in New York at the same time. «The onset of Shabbat and the density of the schedule did not allow it. I hope to visit New York again in the future specifically for these purposes.»
PHOTOS BY ROSHEL RUBINOV AND AVRAHAM JURAEV
This was translated from Russian to English.
By Mira Zargarova