Prior to my college years, I was only acquainted with a few Bukharian Jews my age. I was aware of my native culture and traditions, but I never understood their significance or origin. I thought I did certain things and thought a certain way simply because that’s how I was raised. It wasn’t until I was on the brink of adulthood as a college freshman that I began to embrace my heritage because it’s mine, and I became a champion for the Bukharian people on- and off-campus.
Bukharian Jews are a fairly new immigrant group. Most came to America in the 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and settled in Queens, New York — in fact, there are now more Bukharian Jews living in Queens than in Bukhara itself. Prior to life in the United States, the Bukharian Jewish community lived along the Silk Road in Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) for more than 2,500 years — since the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE.
The Bukharian community is very traditional, strongly family-oriented and deeply affected by the stresses of immigration. Though it has succeeded in building communal infrastructure like synagogues, schools, community programs and professional societies, it faces deep challenges including struggling to maintain its distinct Jewish identity, adapting to American cultural norms, the high costs of Jewish schooling, and what to do with children while both parents work long hours.
Initially, I assumed attending Queens College would be the typical commuter experience — go to school, go to work, go home. However, through an acquaintance, I was unexpectedly introduced to Hillel and realized the student organization offered me the opportunity to explore my curiosity and love for my Bukharian Jewish roots. Not only was I receiving a top-notch education that was preparing me for a career, but I also was growing personally, intellectually and spiritually. Now, I can proudly say: I am Jewish, I am Bukharian and because of my undergraduate experiences and research, I am in tune with my past, present and future.