The Bukharian Jewish community has long been shaped by its rich traditions, deep-rooted heritage, and the efforts of dedicated individuals working to preserve its legacy. One such figure is David Mavashev, a philanthropist and cultural advocate whose work has earned him the distinguished title of ‘Person of the Year 2025’ at the recent Bukharian Jewish World Congress in Vienna. I had the opportunity to speak with David about this honor, the challenges and triumphs of preserving Bukharian Jewish culture, and his vision for the future.
Erin Levi: Congratulations, David, on your award! What does being recognized as a ‘Person of the Year’ mean to you personally, and how do you view this honor in the context of your ongoing work?
David Mavashev: Being recognized as a «Person of the Year» is a deeply humbling honor. To me, it signifies not just personal recognition but an acknowledgment of the broader mission—to preserve and promote Bukharian Jewish heritage. Everything I do has never been about tributes or awards; it has always been about ensuring that our rich history, traditions, and culture continue to thrive for future generations.
I am deeply honored to stand here today and receive this prestigious award. This award symbolizes not only my efforts but also the collective efforts of our entire community, which has worked tirelessly over the years to preserve and promote our culture and traditions. This recognition is not just for me—it is for everyone who has contributed to our cultural preservation efforts. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility we all share in safeguarding our heritage, and it motivates me to continue this mission with even greater passion and dedication.
EL: What have been some of the most significant challenges and triumphs you’ve experienced in your efforts to promote Bukharian Jewish culture?
DM: One of the greatest challenges has been preserving our cultural identity in the face of widespread assimilation. After the exodus from our ancestral home in Central Asia, our people became scattered across many countries, adopting different languages and customs. Today, very few of our younger generations speak Bukharian. At the recent Bukharian Congress, most presentations and speeches were delivered in English and Russian, highlighting the reality of linguistic shift in our community.
Despite these challenges, we have also seen tremendous triumphs. Seeing young people take an interest in our history, watching Shashmaqom find new audiences, and witnessing the establishment of institutions dedicated to Bukharian Jewish culture are all signs that our heritage is still alive. A personal triumph for me was bringing my grandson, Even Itzhak, to the event. He is 17 years old, his mother is a Moroccan Jew, and he speaks only English. Yet, by witnessing Bukharian Jewish culture, traditions, prayers, and heritage in real time, he was able to connect with his roots in a way that no book or lecture could replicate. Moments like these give me hope that our heritage will endure.
EL: What message would you like to share with the Bukharian Jewish community worldwide regarding the importance of preserving and promoting their heritage?
DM: Our heritage is our identity, and if we do not actively preserve it, we risk losing a vital part of who we are. It is not enough to simply remember our past—we must live it, teach it, and pass it on. I encourage every member of our community to take an active role in preserving our culture, whether through learning our history, speaking our language, supporting cultural initiatives, or passing traditions on to their children. Each one of us has a responsibility to contribute in some way. If we do not instill pride and knowledge in the next generation, then who will?
EL: At the Person of the Year ceremony, you were on stage with your grandson Itzhak. How are you working to ensure that the younger generation remains connected to their Bukharian heritage?
DM: It starts at home. I make it a priority to teach my grandchildren about our traditions, music, and history—not just through stories, but by immersing them in real cultural experiences. Beyond my personal efforts, I actively support programs that provide young people with opportunities to learn about their Bukharian heritage, whether through music, education, or community involvement.
For our youth to embrace their heritage, they need to feel a personal connection to it. This means creating spaces where they can engage meaningfully—through storytelling, Shashmaqom performances, youth groups, and community events. If we show them the beauty of our traditions, they will carry it forward with pride.
EL: You work with Rafael Nektalov on Shashmaqom Forever. How important is it to have a strong team, and what advice do you have for others who wish to make a difference in their community?
DM: Having a strong team is essential. A vision alone is not enough—you need dedicated people to bring that vision to life. No cultural preservation effort can succeed without collaboration. Rafael and I share a deep passion for Shashmaqom, and by working together, we have been able to expand our reach and impact significantly.
I would like to express my special gratitude to Rafael Nektalov, the director of the Itzhak Mavashev Foundation, for his help, support, and active participation in all our projects. His dedication to our cause and his commitment to the development of our community inspire us all.
My advice to others is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Build strong partnerships, seek mentorship, and never underestimate the power of teamwork. The work we do is not just for today—it is for generations to come. Every initiative, every project, every event is a building block in preserving our identity.
EL: Looking ahead, what are the primary goals and aspirations of the Itzhak Mavashev Foundation for the next decade? And Shashmaqom Forever?
DM: For the Itzhak Mavashev Foundation, our primary goal is to expand cultural and educational initiatives that ensure our traditions remain vibrant and accessible. This includes creating more resources for schools, funding scholarships, and supporting Bukharian Jewish arts.
As for Shashmaqom Forever, our dream is to see this beautiful musical tradition gain global recognition. We are committed to training young musicians, recording and archiving traditional performances, and collaborating with scholars and cultural institutions worldwide. In the coming years, we will partner with various organizations and research institutes in Europe, the USA, Russia, Central Asia, and Israel to further study and promote the history and heritage of the Bukharian Jews.
EL: Why is supporting Jewish education a priority for you, and what specific outcomes do you hope to achieve through your contributions to institutions like JIQ?
DM: Education is the foundation of identity. Without knowledge of our history and traditions, assimilation becomes inevitable—especially in a melting pot like the United States. Jewish education is not just about religious instruction; it is about instilling a deep sense of belonging, history, and responsibility.
At the Bukharian Jewish Congress, I had a conversation with the president, Mr. Lev Leviev, who mentioned that there are about 4,000 Bukharian children attending public schools in Queens, NY. This is a significant concern because without access to Jewish education, these children are at a much higher risk of assimilation. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Leviev is working on setting up a team to address it. It is essential that we create opportunities for these children to learn about their heritage, traditions, and values to ensure that they remain connected to their identity.
I would like to sincerely thank the president of the Congress for his support and for creating a platform that brings us all together. While my work has never been dependent on any single leader, I truly appreciate his contributions to the development of our community and his efforts to create opportunities for everyone.
By supporting institutions like JIQ, I hope to ensure that Bukharian Jewish children grow up with a strong sense of who they are, with access to a high-quality Jewish education that incorporates our unique heritage. I want them to know where they come from, to understand the sacrifices of their ancestors, and to take pride in their identity. My goal is to see our youth become not just successful individuals but also active, engaged members of the Bukharian and Jewish communities.
EL: Also—thank you for being a longtime supporter of The Bukharian Times! We appreciate you 🙂
DM: It is my pleasure! The Bukharian Times plays a crucial role in keeping our community informed and connected. Your dedication to documenting and sharing our stories is invaluable, and I am honored to support your work.
I would also like to acknowledge Rafael Nektalov, the chief editor of the Bukharian Times, for his tireless efforts in preserving and promoting our heritage through media. His commitment to highlighting our community’s achievements and challenges ensures that our voices are heard and that our history is recorded for future generations. The strength of our community depends on voices like his that bring us together, celebrate our achievements, and remind us of the importance of our heritage.
EL: Yes, me too—thank you, dear Rafael! And thank you, David, for your time and lifelong support and dedication to preserving Bukharian culture. Mazel tov!
Erin Levi