Politicians Unite at the 56th Annual QJCC Breakfast
In a room packed with over 200 community members and elected officials, the Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) held its 56th Annual Legislative Breakfast this past Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates.
The event, a staple of the Queens civic calendar, marked over five decades of QJCC’s service to the borough. Against a backdrop of current challenges facing the Jewish community, city, state, and federal officials gathered to reaffirm their partnership with local leadership and discuss security and social services.
The breakfast attracted bipartisan representation, made possible largely through the efforts of QJCC President Barry Grodenchik, Executive Director Mayer Waxman, and Democratic District Leader Simon “Shimi” Pelman, who helped bring these key figures to the table.
City and State Leadership
City leadership was headlined by New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors and the first Jewish woman to hold the position, Speaker Menin appeared alongside newly elected City Comptroller Mark Levine, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and City Council members Linda Lee, James Gennaro, Sandra Ung, and Ty Hankerson.
State and federal representation was equally robust: New York State Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, U.S. Representatives Grace Meng and Tom Suozzi, and NY State Senator John Liuwere in attendance. Daniel Rosenthal, Vice President of UJA-Federation, also represented the broader network of Jewish organizations.
Addressing the Rise in Antisemitism
While the event celebrated community achievements, the conversation was dominated by the alarming rise in antisemitism. Statistics shared highlighted a stark disparity: though Jewish people make up about 10% of New York City’s population, they are currently victims of over 50% of all hate crimes.
QJCC President Barry Grodenchik noted that the number of antisemitic crimes in January 2026 was nearly triple that of January 2025. «We are definitely living in abnormal times,» Grodenchik told the crowd. «We need armed security in our synagogues and schools.»
The discussion touched on specific recent acts of violence, including the January 27 attack on Rabbi David Shushan of the BJCC youth minyan. Rabbi Shushan had immigrated to New York from France to escape antisemitism, only to encounter it in Queens. Also mentioned were the January 28 car attack at the «770» center in Crown Heights and a pro-Hamas rally held in December near the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills and YCQ yeshiva.
In response, Speaker Julie Menin discussed legislative proposals to create «buffer zones» around schools and houses of worship to ensure congregants and students are not harassed. DA Melinda Katz praised the community’s resilience, stating, «We stand with the Jewish community now and forever.»
Economic Ties and Social Services
Support for Israel remained a central theme. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli confirmed that New York State remains the largest investor in Israel Bonds, emphasizing that it is a sound financial strategy with a «good return.» City Comptroller Mark Levine expressed strong support for NYC exploring similar investments.
Beyond security, the breakfast highlighted QJCC’s role in social services. AG Letitia James spoke about her office’s success in preventing federal funding cuts to essential services, protecting New York’s most vulnerable.
Community Voices
The event showcased a unified front, with UJA-Federation of New York as the primary partner. Key sponsors included Met Council, Commonpoint Queens, and the Margaret Tietz Nursing Center.
Rafael Nektalov, Editor-in-Chief of The Bukharian Times, shared his perspective:
«Despite the 20-degree frost, the hall was full. Barry Grodenchik stated that the NYC Jewish community is in a difficult situation, and it’s hard to disagree. The statistics on antisemitism stunned me—it felt like Moscow in the early 90s. I noticed the room was dominated by Democrats; while they may be doing something, it isn’t felt in the atmosphere of the city’s colleges. It feels like we’re among friends, but with little result.»
Svetlana Khanimova-Levitin, QJCC Board Member since 1994, noted the strong presence of the Bukharian Jewish community:
«We had many representatives this year… We must more actively join our organization to help our community advance and integrate into American socio-political life.»
Vladimir Epstein, a veteran of the Russian-speaking Jewish parents’ movement, highlighted a victory for the future:
«This year is marked by the fact that a Holocaust memorial will be built on Queens Boulevard… I am confident that together we can stand against antisemitism because, in America, the law is on the side of its citizens.»
The QJCC office is located in Forest Hills. For more information or assistance, visit www.QJCC.org.
Eli Takhalov
Photos by R. Sharkey and Svetlana Khanimova