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Edited by: TJVNews.com
The Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) held its annual food giveaway in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. This important community services were made feasible with the generosity, support and partnership with Met Council, Project Hospitality, Food Bank for NYC and City Harvest. On hand was Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Assemblyman Michael Reilly whose advocacy and support made this food give away the resounding success that it was.
Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest holidays in the Hebrew calendar, is celebrated from sundown on Friday, September 15 to the evening of September 17.
This year marks the 41st year that COJO has helped ensure all members of the Staten Island community can celebrate Rosh Hashanah in a dignified manner in accordance with Jewish traditions and customs.
The event took place on Sept. 6 at the Aur Torah Sephardic Congregation of Staten Island, where over 3000 bags of food were distributed to those in need. Mendy Mirocznik, president of COJO thanked Rabbi Aaron Zeev, Spiritual Leader of the congregation as well as its leadership and devoted members who are true friends of all people. Mirocznik thanked Oshri Reuven, president of the congregation and his wife Iva Reuven, who besides serving as the congregation’s Sisterhood president is also the COJO Food Pantry and Social Services Director and her great Service Committee. Aur Torah truly is the Synagogue whose generosity is outstanding besides hosting the food distribution many of their congregants actively participated and worked the food giveaway as well.
Mirocznik thanked the NYPD, Inspector Eric Waldhelm, the commanding officer of Pct. 121, Sgt. Charles Kosa, Pct. 121, Officer Daniel Murro, Pct. 121, Officer Janine Williams, Youth Coordinating Officer, Pct.121, and Officer Zhana Krot, Police Commissioners Liaison Unit, who coordinated with Ari Weiss, COJO Security chairman and coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim for their help in making the food distribution a smooth event.
“For decades COJO of Staten Island has provided invaluable support and services to the people of Staten Island and this event is just another example of their dedication to bettering our community,” said Assemblyman Michael Reilly. “I am always proud to be their partner in bringing events like this food giveaway to the people of Staten Island.” COJO and Staten Island is fortunate to have at its leadership Mendy Mirocznik and Scott Maurer. Two energetic advocates who selflessly devout their time and energy in helping others.
Mirocznik, president of COJO, shouted praises and acknowledged Terry Troia, president of Project Hospitality and her hard-working team for helping to organize and coordinating this important food distribution. Mirocznik stated that it is no secret that COJO and Project Hospitality have been collaborating in a very serious and meaningful way over the past several years. We have partnered up and as a team COJO and Project Hospitality have helped Staten Island in very significant ways. I am truly optimistic that our alliance will lead to greater accomplishments for the residents of Staten Island. It is thanks to Terry the driving force behind this great engine that we are succeeding in our mission in helping to make Staten Island a better place for its residents. I truly humbled an honored to call Terry a friend.
Mirocznik, further thanked Met Council, Food Bank for NYC and City Harvest for their generosity in helping to make the 41st COJO food give away a success. Mirocznik specially acknowledged David Greenfield, chief executive officer and executive director, Met Council, Aaron Cyperstein, Managing Director, Legal & External Affairs, Met Council, Jessica Chait, Managing Director, Food Programs, Met Council, Benjamin Zaintez, senior manager, agency relations, Met Counsil, and Rebecca Glass, pantry coordinator, Met Council as, “the dynamic team with a golden heart who truly care to help people not to worry about food insecurity.
Words cannot express our deep gratitude and appreciation for their valiant efforts in helping Staten Island in our 48th Annual Pre-High Holiday Food Distribution. They truly have made a difference in the lives of many people. Their warmth and love are noted and appreciated. We at COJO look forward to our ongoing partnership and collaborative efforts in fighting the war on poverty. Together we will be victorious.”
Mirocznik concluded by thanking Jenny Palaguachi, Outreach Coordinator, Healthcare Education Project, and Carina Vizhnay, special event coordinator, Empire BlueCross BlueShield for their contributions that helped make the COJO 48th Annual Pre-High Holiday Food Giveaway a success.
Scott Maurer, stated, “the COJO Rosh Hashanah Food Relief is just one component of our pantry that services all people of Staten Island. Our goal is to make sure that no person goes hungry in Staten Island.”
