Sharing bread, uniting hearts, building bridges of friendship

Sharing bread, uniting hearts, building bridges of friendship
Aelita Club President, female leader Leonora Bulycheva, held a truly inspiring event. These meetings, initiated by New York Mayor Eric Adams in 2023, invariably attract attention with their deep meaning and warm atmosphere.
But what is behind the words Breaking Bread, Building Bonds? Literally translated, it means "sharing bread, strengthening ties." This ancient tradition, existing in all cultures, is a symbol of peace, trust and unity. A shared meal has always served as a unifying force, overcoming the boundaries of nationalities, religions and life views.
The Mayor of New York City's initiative is aimed at strengthening mutual understanding between residents of the metropolis, helping to eradicate bias, hatred, and discrimination. It is implemented by the Office of Hate Crimes Prevention and the Mayor's Office of Public Affairs. Since the beginning of 2023, friendly lunches and conversations have been held throughout the city, bringing together people from a wide variety of communities and backgrounds.
Since the initiative's launch, thousands of New Yorkers — from students to retirees, from entrepreneurs to cultural figures — have gathered around one table to share stories, experiences, and hopes. Because despite our differences, we all have one thing in common: love for this great and unique city.
On March 12, 2025, a wonderful meeting took place in the cozy Coney Island Village cafe, run by Eli Abramov, where everyone could tell about themselves and their business or ask exciting questions. The atmosphere was homely and warm: guests sat at tables, chatted animatedly and got to know each other with interest.
It turns out that, despite differences in experience and social status, New Yorkers are concerned about the same issues: the affordable housing crisis, inflation, safety, and finding a decent job. Today, the metropolis' middle class lives paycheck to paycheck, while prices for familiar goods and services are growing imperceptibly but inexorably.
During the conversation, troubling social issues were also raised. Sometimes we criticize politicians, be they Democrats or Republicans, and it is good that there is freedom of speech in our country. But it is impossible not to note that many New Yorkers received real help in the offices of city representatives. There they were listened to, supported, helped to solve difficult situations.
It was nice to hear the encouraging words of Republican Svetlana Zelinskaya: rumors about the possible closure of the Medicaid and Medicare programs are greatly exaggerated, and the elderly and sick people will not be left without medical care.
The meeting was attended by concerned people who were sincerely concerned about the fate of the city. Among the guests was the manager of NYCHA Family Partnership in Brooklyn Nanda Misir, who has helped thousands of pensioners and many New Yorkers with disabilities over 20 years of work.
Kingsborough College professor Anna Geller is not only a talented singer who sings the American anthem, but also a real mentor for young people. She has helped many immigrants get an education and find a job, and personally prepared some for interviews.
The real inspiration is the director of the library at Sheepshead Bay, Svetlana Negrimovskaya. She turned an ordinary library into a cultural center, where art exhibitions, concerts, meetings with talented people are held. Here, children do not just read books - they take their first steps in creativity, make films, dance, play music. Many remember Svetlana and her inexhaustible enthusiasm with warmth.
The evening ended with a musical gift from virtuoso violinist Akhtan Faziyev.
Among the guests were also prominent female leaders Karina Polonskaya and Ilana Kozak, who, together with Leonora Bulycheva, will represent the American Forum for Israel at the World Congress, which will be held in Israel in October. The meeting was attended by Gregory Kirsopp, Director of the Office of Assembly Member Mikhail Novakhov, Board of Election employee David Sepiashvili and others.
The colossal organizational work carried out by the Aelita club deserves special words of gratitude. Special thanks to Irina Shmeleva for her contribution to the preparation of the evening.
Leonora Bulycheva's events are extremely popular and help not only to exchange opinions, but also to find like-minded people and feel support.
Marina Lagunova