The Daniel Patrick Moynihan Democratic Club and Councilman Rory Lancman recently held the annual Moynihan Club Dinner at L’Amour Restaurant in Rego Park. The Jewish community is especially proud that two honorees, Yaakov Serle, Publisher and Co-Founder of Queens Jewish Link and Yaniv Meirov, Operations Manager of Chazaq and newly appointed member of Community Board 6, are from the Queens Jewish community.
Both of these honorees invest countless hours in their work for the Jewish community, which benefits both the Jewish community and affects the broader Queens community. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz greeted everyone and praised the honorees. State Senator Toby Savitsky also greeted the group and complimented the guests of honor. Councilman Lancman then officially welcomed everyone and acted as master of ceremonies.
John Skinner, President/Political Director of Local 46 Metallic Lathers Union was praised for his efforts fighting for workers’ rights. Mr. Skinner accepted his award on behalf of the entire membership of Local 46.
Then Lancman introduced Yaniv Meirov and applauded his work with Chazaq, which since 2006 has been working with young people in the Bukharian community. Chazaq sponsors community-wide shiurim, lectures, publications, and much more. The councilman pointed out that Chazaq has helped young people who might otherwise fall through the cracks stay grounded. Lancman acknowledged the extraordinary enthusiasm and direction that Chazaq is bringing to so many young people. He noted the need to honor young leaders who work so hard to reach out to others. Yaniv congratulated the other honorees and expressed his gratitude for being honored. He thanked all the people who volunteer and work tirelessly on behalf of Chazaq.
Maf Mishab Uddin (Treasurer of District Council 37 of AFSCME and President of the Alliance of South Asian American Labor) and Arthur B. Liu (Director of the Queens Art Education Center), were also honored. Mr. Uddin is a leader in the South Asian community and develops programs that serve that community. Liu has run an art center for the past 16 years that gives children a broader education. He spoke with passion about the joy in painting and how art makes life more colorful. “Art will make our community beautiful. Art can change the world,” he said.
The final honoree, Yaakov Serle, congratulated the other honorees and commended the work and accomplishments of Chazaq. Councilman Lancman highlighted all of the tireless wonderful work of Queens Jewish Link and the Jewish Link of Bergen County, QJL’s sister paper.
Many local and state politicians were in attendance. The dinner celebrated the hard work of a diverse group of Queens residents who really care about and labor on behalf of the Queens community.
By Susie Garber
