On October 26, the Bukharian Jewish Center in Jamaica Estates
hosted the 30th anniversary celebration
of the women’s organization World of
Women Immigrants (WOWI), which has been led with unwavering dedication
by Svetlana Khanimova-Levitin.
Today, WOWI stands for hundreds of good deeds,
hundreds of lives saved, and thousands of people who have felt that they are
not alone.
The celebration brought together friends and supporters of Svetlana, and the room was filled with words of love, admiration, and gratitude.
For their loyalty, commitment, and
contributions to the organization and the community, awards were presented to Dr. Stella Ilyayeva, Dr. Mariya Mosheyeva, CEO of
COJECO Roman Shmulenson, President of the Samarkand Foundation Roman Khanimov,
and Boris Aronov, founder and
CEO of BJC of Jamaica Estates,
as well as Diana Leyden,
Managing Director at Laffey Real Estate.
Each of them has played an important role in promoting kindness, generosity,
and mutual support.
The evening was filled with heartfelt words,
laughter, songs, and applause. The hall radiated unity—that invisible thread
connecting women of all generations, professions, and life stories.
The organizers expressed gratitude to all who
supported the event, including media partners The Bukharian Times, Menorah
Newspaper (correspondent Rena Elizarova), International Center Radio, and community benefactors Boris Aronov, Aron Bangiev, Dr. Zoya Maksumova,
Boris Kandkhorov, David Mavashev, Rakhil Shamalova, Boris Fazylov, Alik,
Michael and Yaffa Khaydatov, Semion and Nelya Shamalov, David and Tamara
Shimunov, Nina Kaylyakova, Nina Normatova and her son Yuri Normatov, Roza
Babekova, Lyuba Ibragimova, Irina Malakova, and Mira Kagzanova.
A touching moment came when Svetlana was presented with an honorary
certificate from the Congress of
Bukharian Jews of the U.S. and Canada and the women’s organization Esther a Malka, recognizing her immense
contribution to empowering immigrant women, her patriotism and care for the
people of Israel after the tragic events of October 7, her selfless support for
the sick and needy, and her efforts in preserving the musical and cultural
traditions of Bukharian Jews.
This evening was not just an anniversary—it
was a celebration of the enduring truth that a woman’s strength lies in her
heart, her generosity, and her ability to share light.
