Queens Makes History With Over 8,000 Joining Mega Lag BaOmer

This Sunday marked a historic celebration in Cunningham Park as more than 8,000 people gathered for a grand Lag BaOmer event, honoring the Hillula of Rabbi Shimon Ben Yochai. This extraordinary gathering was a vivid display of unity, joy, and Jewish pride.

The event featured a variety of attractions and activities that delighted attendees of all ages. Thrill-seekers enjoyed a selection of large, thrilling mechanical and inflatable rides, while others savored hot foods, cotton candy, popcorn, and a variety of other treats. Carnival booths offered Torah-themed and Mitzvah-related games, adding an educational twist to the festivities and delighting the crowds.

A highlight of the evening was a special appearance by Sergeant Jeremy Sofiev, an IDF paratrooper and local resident of Jamaica Estates, who recently returned from Gaza. His presence added a touch of honor and patriotism to the celebration. Deputy Chief Richie Taylor of the NYPD, instrumental in organizing the event, made a surprise appearance, delivering heartfelt greetings to the enthusiastic crowd.

The event reached a climactic moment with the lighting of a massive 10-foot bonfire, a traditional Lag BaOmer activity symbolizing light, warmth, and the fire of Torah. The bonfire was lit by Rabbi Shmuel Kogan, Director of Ganeinu Academy, IDF Sergeant Jeremy Sofiev, NYPD Chief Richie Taylor, Rabbi Asher Vaknin as well as Jonathan Matatov and Avrohom Asher Kogan, both of whom played significant roles in making the event a reality.

Adding to the evening’s entertainment, Master Illusionist Eric Wilzig captivated the audience with a spectacular magic show. Major prizes, including an iPad and a Meta VR headset, were awarded, further exciting the participants.

The event was praised for its spirit of unity and community. Attendees marveled at the massive turnout and the seamless organization of the festivities. Boris Kaykov remarked, “This was a historic event.” Another participant echoed the sentiment, saying, “I have never seen so many Jewish people come together in joy and pride.”

This grand event was spearheaded by the Shluchim for the Bukharian community in Fresh Meadows and Jamaica Estates, Rabbi Shmuel & Shevy Kogan. The celebration was held in partnership with Ganeinu Academy, Chabad Ohr Avner, Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, UJA Federation of NY, QJCC, Bukharian Jewish Community Center of Jamaica Estates, House of Torah, Young Israel of Holliswood, Bukharian Jewish Community Center of Queens, Young Israel of Hillcrest, Sefardic Center of Hollis Hills and Emet.

Special thanks were extended to the Mayor of NYC, Mayor Eric Adams, Commissioner Fred Kreizman, and Moshe Davis from the Mayor’s Office, who were instrumental in making sure this event happened; the NYPD; Chief Phil Sparacio and the entire NYC Parks Department; Shabsie Saphirstein and Avrohom Pinkhasov and the entire team of Queens Shmira; and all the individuals and sponsors who contributed to the event’s success.

The Mega Lag BaOmer event was a tremendous success, bringing together over 8,000 people from Jewish communities around Queens. Organizers, including Ariel Shimunov, Simcha Sommer, Jacob Hershkowitz, Johny Matatov, Avrohom Asher Kogan, Avrohom Yagudayev, and Rabbi Shmuel Kogan, as well as participants, are already looking forward to continuing this remarkable tradition in the years to come.