JIQ Boys’ Journal #16
By Moshe Tuvia Ailyarov
A Night to Remember
The room was filled with pride, nostalgia, and excitement as the families, friends, teachers, and students of JIQ Boys’ High School gathered on June 18, 2025, to celebrate the graduating class of 2025. The event, held at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center in Forest Hills, marked the culmination of years of hard work, personal growth, and Torah learning for the senior class.
The evening began in a fittingly meaningful way as the graduates joined together for Mincha and Arvit, starting the celebration with spiritual reflection and unity. The sense of gratitude and accomplishment was palpable, as the boys prepared to close one chapter and step into the next.
Words of Wisdom from Beloved Faculty and Rabbis
A series of heartfelt speeches set the tone for the evening. Rabbi Niyazov welcomed everyone with words of blessing, reminding the graduates that their time at JIQ was only the beginning of their journey. He urged them to always stay grounded in Torah and to never lose sight of the values that have shaped them.
Following Rabbi Niyazov, Rabbi Babayev offered words of encouragement, highlighting the growth he witnessed in the class and their potential to make a lasting impact in the world. Mrs. Sassoon then spoke, sharing her reflections on the journey of these young men, expressing her pride in their accomplishments and her confidence in their bright futures.
As the graduates listened intently, Rabbi Vaknin, one of their most influential Rebbeim, addressed the class. His words were filled with emotion, as he reminded them to always be thankful to Hashem, to never take their opportunities for granted, and to walk through life with humility and integrity. His message reflected not just a farewell, but a charge to embrace their responsibilities as young Jewish leaders.
Graduates Speak from the Heart
Perhaps the most touching part of the evening came when each of the graduating seniors stood before the crowd to deliver their own short speeches. With sincerity and poise, they each offered heartfelt thanks to Hashem, to their parents, families, teachers, and friends. Their words were a testament to their maturity and the meaningful experiences they had during their time at JIQ.
The celebration continued with a nostalgic and emotional graduation video, showcasing memories from the seniors’ years at JIQ. Photos, milestones, and special moments filled the screen, reminding everyone how far these young men had come.
Throughout the video, beloved teachers and staff shared words of farewell and encouragement, including Mr. Gavrilov, Rabbi Vaknin, Rabbi Weiner, Rabbi Nissanian, Mrs. Ohayon, Dr. Babekov, Mr. A, Rabbi Shushan, and Mr. Kutchens. Their messages reflected the lasting impact of the relationships formed within the school walls.
Honoring Our Graduates
Following the video, the long-awaited awards and scholarships were presented, recognizing the unique talents, perseverance, and character of each graduate.
Ouriel Aliakamal received the Overall Academic Excellence Award as well as the Tefilla B’Kavanah Award, recognizing his dedication to learning and sincere prayer. David Aminov was honored with the Service Award and the Basketball Sportsmanship Award, highlighting his commitment to the school and basketball team. Emanuel Babadzhanov received the Strength and Perseverance Award and the Chessed Award, celebrating his resilience and kindness. Natan Israel earned the Longevity Award and the Basketball Leadership Award, reflecting his years of dedication and leadership on the court. David Muzhichayev was recognized with the Growth in Torah Award and the Middot Tovot Award, acknowledging his Torah learning and good character. Ori’el Pelles received the Chaver Tov Award, Overall Academic Excellence Award, and Longevity Award, celebrating his academic achievements, loyalty, and positive presence within the JIQ community.
The ceremony also included two prestigious scholarships. Ori’el Pelles was awarded the HESC Scholarship of $1,500 for academic excellence, applicable to any college he chooses to attend. Ouriel Aliakamal received the second-place HESC Scholarship of $500, recognizing his outstanding academic accomplishments as well.
Final Moments and Farewells
After the awards, the graduates and faculty gathered for a final group photo–a symbolic moment of unity before tossing their graduation caps high into the air, marking the end of their high school journey.
The evening concluded with a celebration downstairs, where sushi and refreshments were served to families and friends. The graduates were gifted beautiful frames for their diplomas and school photos, keepsakes to remind them of this milestone. In addition, they received stuffed graduation dogs, generously sponsored by Mrs. Rivka Mierov, which they joyfully had signed by their teachers, mentors and classmates as mementos of their time at JIQ.
The event closed with smiles, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes. It was more than a graduation–it was a reminder of the friendships, lessons, and values that will stay with these young men for life.
Mazel Tov, 2025!
Mazel Tov to the Class of 2025. May you continue to grow, achieve, and make your families and community proud as you begin this exciting new chapter, always carrying a message of gratitude: “Thank You Hashem.”
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Please call 718-480-0900 or email office@jiqboys.org for more information.