In 1991, our Malakov family made the courageous journey
from Shahrizabz to America, carrying with us not only our belongings but also
our deep-rooted traditions and values. Since then, our family has flourished,
remaining true to the culture that binds us together. Today, we live within
minutes of one another, a testament to the closeness instilled by our parents
and grandparents.
Aside from our strong unity, our rich cultural
contributions – with our
talents and legacy – have
brought pride to our name and connected us to the larger community. This
heritage reminds us of the value we hold, not only within our family but also
beyond it.
As our family grows, the connections between second cousins have naturally started to wane. This year, we decided to reunite in the spirit of Hanukkah, the holiday of miracles. It was a heartwarming occasion that brought together several generations – more than 140 relatives – at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates synagogue. Grandparents, parents, siblings, cousins, and their children gathered to celebrate our unity and emphasize the importance of family bonds. Most importantly, this gathering was an opportunity to show the youngest members of our family the beauty of being united and the strength that comes from staying connected. It gave them a chance to meet each other, forge new bonds, and begin building their own connections for the future.
Our family’s legacy is rooted in the teachings of our
ancestors: unity is a fundamental principle that ensures the strength of our
bonds. This gathering was not only a celebration of Hanukkah but also a reminder
of the importance of passing this legacy to the next generation. We look
forward to many more moments like this, preserving the togetherness that
defines the Malakov family.
Aleksandr Malakov
