Welcome to the Hawks’ nest

The red painted double doors were pulled open and kids ran onto the glistening gym floor as adults took photographs and ran video cameras to capture the moment, while Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) High School Hawks basketball players stood in awe of their new home court.

“It’s amazing,” gushed senior guard Josh Grossman as he stood on the hardwood for the first time. “It will be a great season from here on out.”

Begun in March of this year, the 7,500-square-foot gymnasium was part of a $2 million project at HAFTR’s Lower School in Lawrence that includes locker rooms, restrooms, a referee’s changing area, two scoreboards, a video monitor and seating for 430 fans. The new building is connected to the existing structure by a corridor.

In addition to HAFTR’s basketball, volleyball, floor hockey and indoor soccer teams playing on the court, the gym could also be used for educational purposes and possibly the high school’s graduation ceremony, according to Yaron Kornblum, a parent who served as co-chair of the fundraising committee.

“It’s a place to not only play sports, but a place to hold many functions and educational presentations,” said Kornblum, adding that holding the official ribbon-cutting now is a “little light, home and happiness,” following the destruction of Hurricane Sandy.

The building was alive with a party atmosphere as a buffet dinner complete with latkes in celebration of Hanukkah were served and the tables were decorated with gelt — money — or in this case silver covered chocolate in the shape of coins for the children.

HAFTR Executive Director Reuben Maron said that 97 school parents were severely affected by Sandy, but this celebration for both the holiday and new gym reveals everyone’s resolve. “This was done without taxpayer dollars, all parent donations, and I am very proud of that Maron said. “The party shows we’re all still alive.”

Along with the news sports facilities, HAFTR has also upgraded the Lower School’s library, refurbished its gym and added a science laboratory, a baby care center for faculty mothers, created a new teacher’s lounge, installed an outside learning area and picnic tables. There is also a new playground.

But its was the Neil Steuer Gymnasium that made the largest impression on senior Ben Ozeri. “I can’t wait for our first game, it will be intimidating for other teams,” the forward said. “We must protect our floor.”

Welcome to the Hawks’ nest.