Honor students from Bukharian Teen Lounge

Nearly 100 people turned out to honor students who participated in the Jewish Child Care Association’s (JCCA) Bukharian Teen Lounge summer internship program as well as celebrate Bukharian Jewish Heritage.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, January 31, at the Bukharian Jewish Congress, honored six students from Forest Hills High School who participated in the Bukharian Teen Lounge internship program with many students working at the Museum for the Heritage of Bukharian Jews.
“When I first signed up, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Alexander Chulpayev. However, after he started spending more time at the museum and working with the museum’s director, Aaron Aronov, Chulpayev said he began to learn more about his culture and appreciate it more.
“It made me proud to be Bukharian,” Chulpayev said. “Overall, I think the internship was very valuable.
Bella Zelkin, JCCA’s Coordinator for Services to the Jewish Community, said that having the opportunity to work with a legend in the community like Aronov provided for a great experience, and the students agreed.
During the event, the students who worked at the Museum for the Heritage of Bukharian Jews, the only of its kind museum in the United States, thanked Aronov for his guidance and presented him with a gift.
The students also spoke about their involvement at the Bukharian Teen Lounge and its importance of giving them a place to go and socialize with friends.
“I actually realized that there are a lot of Bukharian teens living in the area and throughout the country said Rina Hazan, 16, who moved to the United States four years ago.
In addition to the student awards, City Councilmember Melinda Katz, who has spoken to the teens at the Bukharian Teen Lounge, told those in attendance that with Queens being an epicenter for diversity, she thinks it is wonderful for the Bukharian community to assimilate into the neighborhoods while continuing to remember their heritage.
State Senator Toby Stavisky also attended the event and echoed Katz’s sentiments.
“We welcome you, and we do consider the work that you do important,” she said.