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Building a modern Jewish center By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Courtesy Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim
The Chabad of Hewlett is looking toward its future, as the new Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Hewlett nears completion. Construction began in 2022 with the demolition of the old structure on Everit Avenue, and there are now plans for a grand opening by the end of this year. Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim and his wife, Rivkie, founded the Chabad of Hewlett, a nonprofit
Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim and his wife, Rivkie, at the new Center for Jewish Life of Hewlett, where construction continues.
CoNTiNued oN page 9
Social media influencer recognized for supporting Israel By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Hewlett resident Gabriel Boxer — known as the “Kosher Guru” on social media — has also made a name for himself as a major advocate for Israel since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. Boxer, 44, was honored at a Jan. 7 Voices of Iron Ceremony at the Knesset — Israel’s parliament — for his acts of chesed, the Hebrew word for kindness, during the Swords of Iron War, the Jewish state’s moniker for the war against Hamas. “The Voices of Iron honored online advocacy warriors who are influencers and people who
speak up for Israel and the Jewish nation,” Boxer said. “It’s people who have given of themselves days and night defending Israel and Jewish people since Oct. 7.” Boxer was one of 50 honorees from around the world, and was the only resident from Nassau County recognized. “Gabe Boxer has distinguished himself as an outstanding community leader in Nassau County and an effective spokesman for rallying people behind the State of Israel, especially after Oct. 7,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a text message. “I am happy that he is receiving recognition for all of his good
work.” Boxer has been involved in various nonprofit organizations in the Five Towns and active on social media, mainly Instagram, where he shares his content related to kosher events, food, programs, restaurants and travel. He became more involved as an advocate for Jewish people and Israel due to the rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment following the Oct. 7 attacks. “It is doing what’s right and not falling into the lies of propaganda being put out there, and sharing the truth,” Boxer said. He was in Israel with his
family and experienced the Oct. 7 attacks firsthand, spending the day hiding in a bomb shelter and worrying about what would happen next. Dan Illouz, a member of Knesset’s right-wing Likud party, organized the Jan. 7 event and contacted Boxer via email on Dec. 10. “Your unwavering commitment to defending and supporting Israel has made an immea-
surable impact on our community and beyond,” Illouz wrote in the email. “Your advocacy and leadership in Israel and on the international stage since Oct. 7 and the Swords of Iron, has been pivotal in Israel’s fight against hatred, antisemitism, and the spread of misinformation worldwide. You have not only provided strength and hope to many but have also CoNTiNued oN page 11