Thousands pray for Israel

As war rages on in the Holy Land, the greater Queens Jewish community gathered together last Sunday for a Tefillah Asifa, or prayer gathering, “in support of Israel during its great time of need.” More than 3,500 men, women and children attended, according to the organizers.

The gathering was held in Haym Salomon Square in Kew Gardens Hills, at Main Street, Vleigh Place and 72nd Road, with the participants spreading over approximately six blocks. Many prominent heads of yeshivas attended, as did synagogue rabbis and their congregations.

Words of inspiration were provided by Rabbi Noach Oelbaum of the K’hal Nachlas Yitzchok synagogue, followed by the recital of Tehillim, or psalms, read by a number of different rabbis. Afterward, the crowd sang meaningful songs.

“These prayers said together by the attendees are sure to assist Israel in its plight against the terrorist group, Hamas,” the organizers said in a press release.

Israel has been at war with Hamas since the terror group launched a brutal sneak attack on civilians Oct. 7, killing about 1,400 people.

Chazaq, the Jewish religious and cultural organization headed by Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, was the prime mover behind the event, while community groups Misaskim, Shmira and Chaverim, along with Sorrelle Idels of the

Queens Jewish Alliance, played roles in organizing it.

Yaakov Serle, publisher of the Queens Jewish Link and Bucharian Jewish Link, and Jennifer Meltzer largely handled publicity.

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

Even if the alienation is approved in Albany, there is no guarantee that Cohen will get a casino license, as the state Gaming Commission is still in the early stages of awarding contracts for three downstate casinos. Cohen’s plan is one of several other proposals being floated, including at Resorts World, Empire City, Hudson Yards, Times Square and the Nassau Coliseum. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.(D-Woodhaven), who chairs the Senate gaming committee, previously told the Chronicle that the commission will make selections next year.

SHoP Architects, the firm behind Cohen’s plan, has designed several other major projects in the city in recent years, including Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Q