Deer Park, NY—The Town of Babylon recently honored the late Rabbi Gabriel Maza by renaming a portion of Oakland Avenue to "Rabbi Gabriel Maza Avenue". Community members, elected officials, and leaders from various levels of government gathered to celebrate Rabbi Maza’s extensive contributions to the community. The renaming covers the section between West 24th Street and Deer Park Avenue, excluding West 4th Street and West 5th Street.
Rabbi Gabriel Maza served as the spiritual leader of the Suffolk Jewish Center for six decades, during which he greatly expanded the synagogue and established significant educational programs. He was a fervent advocate for community compassion and was instrumental in the creation of the Suffolk County Task Force on Anti-Semitism, which played a critical role in reducing anti-semitic crimes in the area. Rabbi Maza's legacy also includes substantial contributions to state and national legislation against hate crimes.
"Rabbi Maza's dedication to our community and his relentless efforts to promote understanding and compassion have left an indelible mark on Babylon Town," said Supervisor Rich Schaffer. "Renaming this street in his honor is a testament to his lifelong commitment to making our town a better place for everyone."
In addition to his local achievements, Rabbi Maza held influential positions such as the President of the Suffolk Board of Rabbis and the Long Island Board of Rabbis. His efforts extended to serving on various advisory committees that worked on Holocaust education, the restoration of desecrated sacred scrolls, and the identification of Torahs. The new Rabbi Gabriel Maza Avenue stands as a lasting tribute to his remarkable legacy and enduring impact on the community.
