Annual Pre-Purim Free Food Distribution Held by COJO in Staten Island

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan of Staten Island, in the New Springville section of Staten Island, the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), held its annual Pre Purim-Food Distribution.

“As a community Rabbi, I am honored that my Synagogue hosts the COJO food pantry distributions. I am pleased that Oshri Reuven, president of Aur Torah, his wife Iva Reuven, a great community pillar who serves as the COJO Service Committee Chairperson who oversees the pantry operation, and our Synagogue family understand the importance of the food pantry operating out of Aur Torah. I feel this way especially with Purim as we take into consideration that part of the holiday observance and Mitzvas of the day centers around food such as Shlaloch Manot, and a Purim Seudah/festive meal. I am proud that my congregants understand, value, and appreciate the need to assist as many people as possible in having the necessary food to enjoy a festive Purim meal. As a Rabbi, this truly makes me proud of Aur Torah, and I truly thank Mendy Mirocznik, COJO, President for his leadership in this important pantry project” so said, Rabbi Aharon Zeev, Rabbi, Air Torah Sephardic Minyan.

Iva Reuven, remarked, “that my pantry team is always on alert to be mobilized into community service and they actively are asking what we can do next. When I mentioned the Purim food distribution the outpouring of excitement was overwhelming. I truly am proud of my Service Committee, and I know that as a unified team we can accomplish just about anything. I thank Rabbi Zeev and Mendy Mirocznik for their guidance and enthusiasm.”

Mendy Mirocznik thanked Iva Reuven and her hardworking team for being true community advocates, “the amazing Iva Reuven and her selfless volunteers have only one agenda in mind and that is to do more and to help as many that they feasibly can. This positive energy gives me the stamina to advocate and to push hard. I also want to thank Terry Troia, the fireless poverty champion and leader of Project Hospitality and to Gloria Nova, the exemplary Director of Volunteers at Project Hospitality for joining forces with Iva Reuven and developing a grand Purim Food Distribution. At the rate we are going, this relationship is helping to bond a strong partnership and only time will determine the full extent of the positive results that this great initiative will be responsible for.”

Mirocznik, then went on to thank, “the NYPD, Captain Eric Waldhelm, commanding Officer, Pct. 121, Sgt. Charles Kosa, Pct. 121, Officer John Poveromo, Pct. 121, Officer Sean Mondello, Community Affairs, Pct. 121, Officer John Sibal, Community Affairs, Pct. 121, and Officer Cynthia Janniere, Pct. 123, for their help with packing and distributing food packages, traffic control, and every aspect necessary to run a smooth and efficient food pantry distribution. I also want to thank Carina Vizhnay, Community Relations coordinator, Empire BlueCross and BlueShield, and valued member of the COJO Service Committee for not only brining her Empire team down to help, and for tote bags, but for the outstanding and informative lecture on flu and germs full of practical health tips on staying healthy. This truly was a remarkable and inspirational day and I thank you Carina for making it extra special. Your warm embracing smile truly makes a huge difference in brightening up the pantry community.”