Erin Levi
Last week, on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) honored two extraordinary community leaders at its 56th Anniversary Gala, with special recognition for Leo Jacobs, a prominent Bukharian Jewish attorney and community activist who has been instrumental in advancing the interests of the Bukharian Jewish community in Queens and beyond.
Held at the elegant Da Mikele Illagio in Queens, the event was a powerful evening of celebration and acknowledgment for those who have dedicated their lives to community service. The gala honored two distinguished individuals: Ben Golub, outgoing President of the Community Relations Council of New York, and Leo Jacobs, a cornerstone of the Bukharian Jewish legal community.
A Legacy of Legal Advocacy
Leo Jacobs stood at the center of the evening’s festivities, a testament to the entrepreneurial and professional spirit of the Bukharian Jewish community. As a real estate attorney with deep roots in Queens, he has not only built a successful legal practice but has also been a driving force in establishing institutional representation for Bukharian Jewish professionals.
The founding of the Bukharian Law Association remains perhaps Jacobs’ most significant contribution to his community. This organization has provided a critical platform for Bukharian Jewish legal professionals to network, support each other, and advocate for their collective interests.
«I am honored and humbled that QJCC has recognized my community achievements,» Jacobs shared with the Bukharian Times. «I will continue in the same stead as I have been for my Bukharian community» – a statement that captures his unwavering commitment to service and progress.
An Evening of Community Recognition
The gala highlighted the QJCC’s role as a non-denominational umbrella organization representing over 130 Jewish organizations. Executive Director Mayer Waxman emphasized the organization’s mission of standing against hate and advocating for community needs, with the evening serving as a powerful demonstration of unity and mutual respect.
«Tomorrow morning, Marina will be assisting community members to access benefits and affordable health insurance. Come Monday, Alla will be helping clients with housing or immigration issues or providing them with food from QJCC’s kosher pantry,» he explained, highlighting the organization’s comprehensive social service approach.
He further emphasized the organization’s broader mission, noting that «QJCC works with multiethnic, multi-religious partners in Queens to stand up against hate» and serves as an advocacy organization that «advocates for concerns of the Jewish community. And QJCC advocates for Israel.»
Alongside Jacobs, Ben Golub was also honored for his outstanding service, marking the conclusion of his tenure as President of the Community Relations Council of New York. The event featured speeches, presentations, and moments of reflection on the critical work being done to support the Jewish community in Queens.
Community Impact and Gratitude
Special recognition was extended to Ilya Zavolunov of the Da Mikele Hospitality Group, whose support was crucial in making the event possible. During the gala, Zavolunov reflected deeply on his commitment to community service and economic development.
«We’ve served almost three generations now. We’re not just here to make money but we reinvest into our community—we are supporting synagogues and yeshivas,» he emphasized, highlighting the Bukharian Jewish community’s ethos of giving back.
Zavolunov expressed particular gratitude to Lana Levitin, whom he credited with introducing the Zavolunov family to QJCC. «She’s the one who introduced QJCC to our family,» he noted.
He called for community engagement in local political processes, urging, «We would like the community to speak on our behalf, and to invest in the future by choosing the right candidates, and vote.» This reflected a broader commitment to community empowerment and economic justice.
«We don’t often have the opportunity to sit back, enjoy the great food and ambiance of Da Mikele Ilagio, and appreciate the important work of QJCC,» said Waxman. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who make QJCC’s work possible, stating, «I want to thank you all, those of you doing this important work, and those of you who contribute, thereby making it possible for all we do.»
A Celebration of Resilience
The evening served as more than just an awards ceremony – it was a testament to the strength, diversity, and ongoing story of the Jewish community in Queens. Leo Jacobs’ recognition represents not just individual achievement, but the broader narrative of Bukharian Jewish success and integration.
As the community continues to grow and evolve, leaders like Jacobs and Zavolunov stand as inspiring examples of what can be achieved through dedication, professional excellence, and a deep commitment to community service.
The QJCC’s 56th Anniversary Gala was a sold-out event, with proceeds supporting the organization’s continued work in serving the diverse Jewish communities of Queens.