Chazaq Parlor Meeting At Home Of Aaron & Ellen Wolfson Galvanizes Support For Afterschool Programs

In a powerful evening that stirred hearts and reaffirmed commitment to Jewish education, Chazaq hosted an exclusive parlor meeting at the elegant Five Towns home of Aaron and Ellen Wolfson. The event united community leaders, philanthropists, and friends of Torah values to support Chazaq’s expanding network of afterschool programs that uplift public school students across New York and beyond. The Wolfsons, globally respected for their philanthropic leadership, opened their home with grace and sincerity, setting the tone for a night filled with inspiration and purpose.

The highlight of the program was a stirring keynote address by Don Ghermezian, CEO of the American Dream Mall. Revered for both his business acumen and deep commitment to Jewish causes, Mr. Ghermezian spoke passionately about the transformative power of education and the shared responsibility we all bear in shaping the next generation. “In my world, we build properties,” he said. “But Chazaq builds people. And that’s the legacy that endures.” His words captured the essence of Chazaq’s mission—reaching disconnected Jewish youth and restoring their sense of identity, belonging, and destiny.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came when a young woman—once a public school student with little connection to her heritage—shared her personal journey. She described how Chazaq entered her life at a critical juncture, offering her a gateway to Torah learning and spiritual growth. Through the warmth and guidance of Chazaq’s afterschool programming, she enrolled in a yeshivah and embraced a Torah lifestyle. Today, in a remarkable full-circle moment, she works for Chazaq, dedicating her life to helping other students like herself discover the richness of Jewish life. “Chazaq didn’t just change my life—it gave me a life,” she said through tears. “Now I have the privilege to give that same gift to others.”

Yaakov Barzideh, who co-chaired the event, emphasized how Chazaq has grown into a true movement—restoring identity, purpose, and hope to Jewish teens who might otherwise drift away from their roots. “This is bigger than a program,” he remarked. “This is a revolution in Jewish continuity.” Rabbi Ilan Meirov, Chazaq’s Director, opened the program with a passionate call to action. “Every Jewish child deserves the opportunity to know who they are and where they come from,” he declared. “Chazaq exists to ensure that no child is left behind.”

Rabbi Meirov highlighted the organization’s expansive afterschool initiatives, which serve thousands of students with academic support, mentorship, and a strong foundation in Torah values. The ultimate goal of the programs is not only to inspire but to guide students toward a life of Torah learning, with many transitioning into yeshivah settings. “We’re seeing real transformation,” he noted. “Young people are discovering their Jewish identity, their voice, and their mission. The ripple effect is beyond anything we imagined.”

As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted from inspiration to action. Attendees responded with heartfelt generosity, pledging their continued support and partnership in Chazaq’s mission to strengthen the future of Klal Yisrael—one neshamah at a time. The message of the night was clear: Chazaq is not just a program—it is a lifeline. A movement that reaches, uplifts, and empowers Jewish souls through love, learning, and unwavering commitment.

To support or learn more about Chazaq’s life-changing programs, visit www.chazaq.org.

By Shabsie Saphirstein