Project Hospitality, the NYPD & COJO Collaborate on Annual Tu BeShevat Food Distribution

Project Hospitality, the NYPD & COJO Collaborate on Annual Tu BeShevat Food Distribution

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On January 26, 2023, at the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan, located in the New Springville section of Staten Island. The Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) held its annual Tu BeShevat food distribution. A variety of fruits, produce and groceries was the order of the day. Approximately, 300 families were serviced that night.

Mendy Mirocznik, president, COJO thanked Rabbi Aharon Zeev and President Oshri Reuven for hosting COJO for this important food distribution. “It is thanks to the generosity of Aur Torah that COJO is able to service the community. By enabling COJO to get the job done we have assisted many of our fellow Staten Islanders obtain the necessary food products to observe Tu BeShevat with the traditional foods necessary in a dignified and respectful fashion. However, we must thank Iva Reuven, chairperson, COJO, Service Committee and her hardworking crew for teaming up with Terry Troia, president of Project Hospitality, and Gloria Novoa, director of volunteers, Project Hospitality and the NYPD and together having assembled an army of civic minded and caring individuals who made this important food distribution a reality. I also must thank our beloved Service Committee member Carina Vizhnay, community service representative, Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield for her valuable lecture on healthy eating. This truly was an exemplary and exciting pantry day.”

Mirocznik further thanked NYPD Department Chaplain Tahir Kukai and Community Affairs Officer John Sibal, Pct. 121, “for assisting not only with traffic, but with all important details including packing and distributing food packages. The NYPD are important community partners, thanks to their support we are making Staten Island a better place for all people. Mirocznik, concluded by thanking Met Council, David G. Greenfield, CEO and Executive Director of Met Council, Aaron Cyperstein, Associate Council and Director of External Affairs of Met Council, Jessica Chait, Managing Director of Food Programs at Met Council, Benjamin Zaientz, Quality Specialist at Met Council and Rebecca Glass, Met Council Pantry Coordinator for their support, encouragement and generosity and for their collaboration with COJO, NYPD and Project Hospitality in making this important Chanukah food a reality. I am proud to say that this partnership works and Iva you are the grand pantry band leader that glues it together and makes it real. I truly am honored to be part of this winning team.”

Iva Reuven, remarked, “that the COJO Service Committee are proud and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the Staten Island community. There is nothing more rewarding then being able to give back to the community. However, I must say, I appreciate Mendy Mirocznik’s leadership and I value and appreciate the Service Committee who without any fanfare gets the job done. I look forward and I know I speak in the Service Committees name to forge ahead with many great projects. I know that as a team we are a family and we treat our constituents as family and that is how we get the job done. It is family serving family and this brings out the best in our team.”