EDITORIAL

Dear Readers,

With so much going on in today’s turbulent current events, I don’t know where to begin. As I write this, protests and looting are happening all over the country following the tragic death of George Floyd. Many people continue to face tough times and have lost their jobs due to Covid-19. Every community is reeling from the aftereffects of months on lockdown. 

I am, however, optimistic because we have so many amazing people in our community going out of their way to help others, giving of their time and resources in many capacities even as businesses start to reopen. 

The JCC has been at the forefront of many of these efforts to help Marine Park, Midwood, and Staten Island with the distribution of thousands of free lunches each week, free and low cost online courses, toy drives, expanded Project Machal food credits, and free tax preparation.  Our upcoming projects include a virtual global business conference slated for June 16. Our efforts on all these fronts would not be  possible without the generous contributions of many individuals as well as partner organizations such as Yeshiva Ohr Shraga, JCON, and CHYE.

When times are tough, it’s inspiring to see how we all come together, giving us hope for the future. Let us think of others during these difficult times and be on the giving side. Sometimes with money, other times by volunteering, and if you don’t have time or resources to offer, at least give the next person a smile.

Warm Regards, 

Shea Rubenstein