Standing with Israel at Bagel Boss

Hewlett Bagel Boss manager Randy Rosner has no family in Israel. But despite that, he knew he had to do something for those affected in the Jewish state.

“Like everyone else, I was shocked and sad,” he recalled feeling when Hamas attacked Israel. “I don’t have any relatives in Israel, but being Jewish and coming from the heart, I feel for the people there and those with relatives.”

He started by contacting the corporate office, about his suggestion of supporting Israel with the colored theme bagels representing the Israeli flag.

They loved the idea.

The blue and white bagels are now available at most of the 15 Bagel Boss locations across Long Island to show solidarity with Israel. All the proceeds from the blue and white bagels will be donated to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, a community-based organization based in New York City that rescues Jews in danger by providing aid to the most vulnerable.

“The response we’ve been getting is unbelievable,” Rosner said, which began the week after the first attacks from Hamas on Oct. 7.

At the Hewlett location, Rosner shared that the store, in its first week, sold 80 to 100 dozen bagels. The blue and white bagels even found their way to his affiliated store in Boca Raton, Florida, Way Beyond Bagels, selling just as many as his store in Hewlett, he said.

In his store in Hewlett, his regulars are feeling the effects of the war.

“You hear them,” Rosner said, “when they are standing in line and talking to each other, people are consoling each other because they have relatives there.”

In East Northport in Suffolk County, Jeff Grossfeld, the son of Holocaust-surviving parents, is participating.

“It’s horrifying what is happening, a tragedy, so this is very important to me,” he said. “The blue and white bagels are selling well, all proceeds to the JDC and we also have a fundraising cup. If I had to guess, the cup is probably at $200.”

Paul Scarione, Rosner’s nephew and manager at the original Bagel Boss in Hicksville, said he takes pride in participating.

“It’s nice,” he said. “The people that are interested are asking and they are coming down because it makes them feel good to help donate and support with us.”

Like Rosner, Scarione has sold 80 to 100 dozen bagels in the first week.

“There are non-Jewish owners of Bagel Bosses that get it,” Rosner said. “We all stand for Israel.”