An estimated 6,000 people gathered this year at the Lag Ba’omer Family Fair in Marine Park, transforming a major Brooklyn intersection into a vibrant hub of Jewish life and celebration.

Nostrand Ave came alive with activity as children of all ages enjoyed moon bounces, obstacle courses, rock climbing, rides, and carnival games. A petting zoo and pony rides added to the excitement, while families were treated to BBQ fare, lively entertainment, and the highlight of the evening, the Lag Ba’omer bonfire. Clowns entertained the children, and a dedicated “KiddieLand” area offered attractions geared toward younger kids.

Beyond the festive atmosphere, the scale and visibility of the event stood out. The fair required extensive coordination with the NYC Mayor’s Office and the NYPD, including the closure of Nostrand Ave and Gerritsen Ave, as well as the rerouting of major bus lines, underscoring both the logistical effort and the significance of the gathering.

At its core, the event carried a deeper message. By hosting such a large-scale celebration in a central public space, the organizers emphasized the importance of living and expressing Yiddishkeit with confidence and pride.

This approach echoes the Rebbe’s message that Lag Ba’omer is a day to express pride in being Jewish. That vision was brought to life by Chabad of Marine Park, led by Rabbi Levy Hendel, which organized the annual Lag Ba’omer Family Fair.

For the thousands in attendance, the message was clear: being part of Klal Yisrael is not only something to cherish privately, it is something to celebrate proudly and publicly.

Special thanks to NYPD Community Affairs Chief Richie Taylor, Uri Fraenkel, Director of Citywide Constituent Affairs in the Mayor’s Office, Dr. Effie Zuller of Flatbush Hatzalah, Bob Moskovitz, Executive Coordinator of Flatbush Shomrim, and Askan Yitzy Kalmanowitz, as well as the many community members who made this possible.

Photo Credits: Alex Gorokhov & Shalom Ross