From a Mother’s Tears to a Nationwide Lifeline – How One Family’s Dream Became Everyone’s Organization
After Mr. Moshe Meirov was nearly killed during the Israel-Lebanon war in the early 1980s, he and his wife Shoshana looked for a fresh start, and decided to move to Queens, New York. Raised as traditional Jews in the former USSR, all the Meirovs wanted was that their boys should grow up with a connection to Judaism.
Not realizing the difference between the various denominations in Judaism, the Meirov kids were nearly enrolled in a Conservative day school. But Mrs. Meirov was bothered by one thing: why didn’t any of the rabbis of the school have a beard?
And so she eventually arranged an interview in Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael in Forest Hills. The Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yehoshua Geldtzhaler, son-in-law of the renowned Mussar giant Rav Eliyahu Dessler, worried the boys would struggle; early grades were taught in Yiddish, and the family had little background in practicing Judaism. As he was about to tell her that her boys would not be accepted, Mrs. Meirov’s eyes filled with tears.
He saw her pain, looked at her again, and changed the family – and the Jewish People – with four words: “Your boys are accepted.”
The boys flourished in Ohr Yisrael. Two of the five Meirov sons – Rabbi Ilan and Rabbi Yaniv – would emerge as outstanding marbitzei Torah (disseminators of Torah) whose work now touches hundreds of thousands of Jews across the globe.
The Spark in Queens
As a 19-year-old student in Yeshiva Ohr HaChaim in Kew Gardens Hills, Ilan initiated a weekly Hebrew sheet on the parashah. He wrote the material, a “speed-typist” friend typed, and copies were distributed in Israeli restaurants across Queens. After marrying Aliza Antebi from the Brooklyn community, Ilan took a break from the weekly publication in order to focus on his full-time learning in kollel.
His kid brother, Yaniv, couldn’t stand the silence. At 14, he launched an English parashah sheet, modeled after his brother’s, and even (mis)labeled with his brother’s name. The title of the sheet was adorably misspelled – “Poteach Et Yadeach” (instead of “Pote’ach Et Yadecha”). The mistake sparked a laugh – and a partnership.
Fast forward to 2006. Yaniv, still a teenager, began organizing lectures by Rabbi Eli Mansour, Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, and other renowned speakers. Venues rotated between shuls, and the crowds swelled from several dozen to over 700. Queens began to feel like one kehillah (congregation). By year’s end they chose a name: Chazaq – “strong,” spelled with a Q for Queens.
The next chapters came fast. They translated content into numerous languages. They pressed CDs. As time went by, they expanded into divisions for men, women, teens, children, and – critically – public school students.
The Guide at the Center
If the parashah sheet was the spark, Rabbi Ilan Meirov became the pilot light that never goes out. He is the organization’s spiritual compass – answering questions at all hours, and offering hizuk (inspiration) with a patient, steady voice. He has authored several books (including Peri Ilan on the Ben Ish Hai), which have been warmly received by our generations leading Torah sages.
Upon completing his first sefer several years ago, Rabbi Ilan flew to Israel. Hacham Yitzchak Yosef spent hours reviewing the manuscript together with him, wrote a lengthy haskamah (letter of approbation), and sent him to his father, Maran Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l. Hacham Ovadia tapped the manuscript and asked the question that now underpins everything Chazaq does:“Especially in America, you need to put aside your personal accomplishments. What are you doing for the non-observant community in America?”Only after hearing about Chazaq’s work did Hacham Ovadia continue looking over the sefer and give a warm blessing. The message became the method: the Jewish People first, personal achievements last.
From Lectures to a Lifeline Across the U.S.
Chazaq grew from inspiration to intervention. And today, the heart of the organization’s work is comprised of three public school divisions: “Shaping Lives” for children, “Jwave” for teens, and the “Public School to Yeshiva” (PSTY) division, helping parents find the right yeshiva for their child(ren). Under the operational leadership of a group of dedicated professionals, and with field lions who literally walk into public schools to meet children wherever they are, the Chazaq team has touched the lives of over 9,000 public school students and transitioned over 2,000 into yeshivot over the past few years. In fact, they are no longer just a Queens organization. They are now touching Jews of all backgrounds across 12 states.
The Nights that Changed Everything
At the historic dinner inauguration for the Rishon Lesion Hacham David Yosef in December 2024, the Rishon Lesion himself publicly called upon Rabbi David Ozeri and Mr. Harry Adjmi to personally get involved in Chazaq and help further its mission, declaring that this work is literally saving lives. He urged other communities to get involved, as well. And they answered his call with several events organized to benefit Chazaq’s life-changing work.
The first event was held in Brooklyn, at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. David Ozeri. Rabbi Ozeri spoke passionately about the importance of supporting and getting involved in the organization, describing it as a powerful force shaping the future of the Jewish people. “When you partner with Chazaq, you’re not just giving – you’re building generations,” he said.
Lawrence, New York, came next. A major evening was planned featuring a special lecture by Israeli Chief Rabbi David Yosef, but Israel’s war against Iran erupted days before the event, grounding flights, and so the Chief Rabbi’s visit was canceled.
Many people in this situation would have postponed the event, but Mr. Ralph Hertzka made the moment: “Still do it. This is a matter of life and death.” They did. It was a tremendous success – as the mission proved stronger than circumstance.
Later came Deal, New Jersey – a different night and a different miracle. Mr. Joe Antebi graciously shouldered the responsibility of hosting the event together with his brother Elliot and their wonderful parents, Albert and Shelly. The event was masterfully emceed by Mr. Harry Adjmi, who declared, “This is my new life mission.” Mr. Jimmy (James) Khezri, approached months earlier about Chazaq’s work, pledged full backing and quietly handled behind-the-scenes logistics that no one ever sees.
The event drew a large crowd from Lakewood, New Jersey, uniting under R’ Yitzi Oelbaum. He was joined by Reb Yaakov Taub, Mr. Shimmy Jacobowitz, as well as Reb Baruch Jeremias who was tremendously motivated by Mr. James Khezri. These four figures took it upon themselves to serve as ambassadors for Chazaq going forward.
Many Chassidic leaders and communities joined, as well, giving everyone the feeling that Kelal Yisrael had come together under one roof.
Distinguished guests included the HaRav Reuven Feinstein, shelit”a, Rosh Yeshiva of Staten Island; Rabbi David Ozeri, and numerous other rabbis. The event was graced also by the presence of Mr. James Khezrie, Mr. Charlie Seroya, Mr. & Mrs. Ikey Chera, Mr. David Solomon, and many others whose faces said as much as their names.
From across America came supporters who have since become ambassadors: Mike Farah (now Chazaq’s California ambassador), Rafael Ilishayev (co-founder/CEO of Gopuff, a national pillar for the mission), and Kobi Karp (world-renowned architect who has committed to be a major part of Chazaq’s Florida expansion).
In addition to the above, evenings honoring Chazaq’s mission were graciously hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wolfson with Mr. Don Germazian (CEO of American Dream Mall) speaking about the importance of being involved in outreach. Another event was held in Jamaica Estates, hosted by Mr. and Mr. Rachamim Aulov who pledged to make an impact with the future of Jewish public school students in America.
Each Child is a Generation
A Hasidic boy whose mother left observance slips into public school, his Shabbat observance fades, and non-kosher becomes normal for him. Chazaq finds him, and offers him programs with kosher food, mentors, and a listening ear. They don’t count the hours; they count his steps back to religious observance.
An orphaned child, stuck in public school, a mother too overwhelmed to ask for help. Chazaq finds them, brings the child into their afterschool programs, and then sits with a yeshiva until “no” becomes “let’s find a way.” It took over a year to make it happen, but today he is proudly thriving in a yeshiva setting.
An Israeli teen, assaulted because he is Jewish. Chazaq hears about his plight. He joins a Shabbaton and is inspired. Although he didn’t transfer to yeshiva, he became a daily participant in Chazaq’s afterschool programs and then became a youth leader for teens, pulling in scores of friends to join, as well. Today, they are all keeping kosher and observing Shabbat.
These aren’t “numbers.” They are neshamot (souls) who needed a spark that would ignite not only them, but also future generations of proud Jewish families.
The Board and a New Frontier
Behind every program and every initiative stand the board members of Chazaq – men and women who have been there through thick and thin. Their loyalty is not seasonal; it is constant. They have weathered challenges, celebrated milestones, and carried the mission with unwavering dedication. With their guidance and support, Chazaq has become not just a community program but a national movement, one that never wavers even when the road is uphill.
Beyond its public school initiative, Chazaq has created hundreds of programs every year, inspiring hundreds of thousands. Just one example: over 45,000 streams joined online for their worldwide Tisha B’Av event. From shiurim to conferences, from in-person gatherings to global broadcasts, Chazaq has become a platform of inspiration for Jews everywhere.
Most recently, Chazaq has stepped boldly into a new frontier: shidduchim and marriage initiatives. Through events, mentoring, and soon to come an AI-driven matchmaking program, they are helping Jewish singles find their zivugim in a world where connections can be daunting. Already, many singles have turned into couples on the foundation Chazaq provided, ensuring not just saved individuals, but new Jewish homes for the future.
Why Now Matters Most
The day that never ends. “9–5 and then 5–9,” the Meirov family jokes. For Rabbi Yaniv and his wife, Leora, Chazaq is oxygen; even their kids “speak Chazaq.”
Ask Rabbi Yaniv about his message and he stresses that it comes down to unity and responsibility. America offers freedom; the challenge is guiding children to use it well. Doctors, lawyers, jewelers, barbers, rabbis – everyone can help by offering time, advocacy, introductions, or support. Refer a neighbor. Invite a teen. Open a door.
Today, Chazaq engages with public school children from over 100 schools across the country. For the children who fully transition, the success rate is remarkable. But there are tens of thousands still on the edge.
The Meirov brothers carry a simple message: If Kelal Yisrael doesn’t unite, another child may be lost to drugs or assimilation. Every child is a generation.
As Ralph Hertzka said about the night in Lawrence that almost didn’t happen: “This is a matter of life and death.” And he is, of course, correct – spiritual lives are truly at stake.
What began in the Queens community now embraces communities across the U.S.; what started as a one-man show is now a large organization with over 70 staff members and hundreds of volunteers. But Chazaq isn’t “their” organization. It’s yours – ours – the place where a mother’s tears in a school office became a generation’s second chance.
There are thousands of alumni whom Chazaq has guided from A to Z – finding them by walking directly into public schools across America, (now affiliated with over 180 public schools) in New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, and beyond. And yes, even Canada.
In classrooms from coast to coast, Jewish children sat unnoticed, their neshamot quietly slipping away into a future without Torah, without Shabbat, without identity. No one else even knew they were there. But Chazaq knew. And they went in.
What they faced was not applause. It was walls. Staff have been cursed at, dismissed, ignored, and told they have no place in the schools. They’ve been spoken to like intruders, treated like they don’t belong. They have knocked on the doors of parents who looked at them with suspicion, slammed the door, or said, ‘Not my child. We’re fine without you.’ Every rejection slices deep. Every insult leaves a scar. But they go back the next day anyway. Because one child is worth it. One neshamah is worth a lifetime of bruises.
And when a parent does finally open the door, the work is only the beginning. Convincing a family to let go of comfort, to embrace Shabbat, to send a child into a yeshiva when they themselves have never tasted Torah, is a battle of its own. Many of these families are blessed, successful, living the American dream – but not the Jewish one. It takes enormous patience, courage, and love.
Offering Eternity
The staff of Chazaq have had to become the greatest salesmen alive – not selling a product, but selling eternity. They sit in kitchens, in living rooms, on broken couches, or on fine leather sofas, sometimes for hours, sometimes for years, explaining, pleading, showing parents what their children could become. They paint the picture of a Shabbat table, of a Jewish home, of a family connected forever.
And for almost every parent, one day it happens. One day they break. They cry. They whisper through tears: ‘Thank you. Thank you for not giving up on my child.’
But until that day comes, the fight is gut-wrenching. Staff drive across states, fly across time zones, enter schools where they are not wanted, chase after children who don’t yet know who they are. It is grueling. It is exhausting. It is thankless. But they do it anyway. Because they know that every child saved is not just a child – it is a generation.
And today, because of that sacrifice, thousands of children who were once invisible are now living proudly as Jews. They light Shabbat candles with their mothers. They sing zemirot at full tables. They wear their kippotin public, unafraid. They kiss their mezuzot before bed. They are learning in yeshivot, marrying within Kelal Yisrael, and raising Jewish children of their own. Families that once stood on the cliff of assimilation are now anchored in Torah forever.
This is happening not in one city, not in one state, but all across the United States. From public schools in Queens to the streets of Los Angeles, from Miami suburbs to small towns in the Midwest – Chazaq is there. They are fighting for our children everywhere, often silently, often without thanks, often against the odds. And yet they refuse to stop.
Every parent who reads this knows the fear. The fear of a child drifting away, the fear of losing that spark, the fear of a future without Jewish continuity. Chazaq lives with that fear every day. They walk into it. They battle it. They cry over it. And they turn it into miracles.
This is Chazaq’s legacy: no Jewish child left behind, no neshamah abandoned, no parent’s tears ignored. From a mother’s sobs in a yeshiva office in Queens decades ago, to thousands of mothers and fathers today who watch their children thriving in Torah, Chazaq has proven the deepest truth: saving one child means saving generations.This article was prepared by the organizers of the Deal, New Jersey event,in tribute to and in honor of Chazaq’s sacred mission – saving neshamot, saving generations.
