NYPD Convenes Annual Pre-High Holiday Security Briefing

NYPD Convenes Annual Pre-High Holiday Security Briefing

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On September 9, 2024, Police Commissioner Edward Caban and high-ranking NYPD officials, alongside representatives from the Mayor’s office, met with Jewish community leaders for the annual Pre-High Holiday Security Briefing at NYPD Headquarters in Manhattan. Over 400 people attended the event, which addressed public safety concerns for New York City’s Jewish community during the High Holidays, particularly following the tragic October 7th terrorist attack in Israel.

The event began with the NYPD Honor Guard presenting the colors, followed by a moving rendition of the National Anthem by International Jewish Music Recording Artist Shulem Lemmer.

Commissioner Caban reaffirmed the NYPD’s dedication to ensuring public safety and underscored the department’s close collaboration with the Jewish community. He announced plans for increased police presence at synagogues and Jewish institutions during the High Holidays to provide additional security and reassurance. Commissioner Caban also acknowledged the work of Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, commanding officer of the Community Affairs Bureau, for organizing the event and for his ongoing leadership.

Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner addressed the audience, assuring the community that while there are no credible threats to Jewish or other communities in NYC, the NYPD remains vigilant. She emphasized that public safety is the NYPD’s highest priority.

Deputy Inspector Gary Marcus, commanding officer of the Hate Crime Task Force, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting the Jewish community and stated that the NYPD stands ready to investigate and respond to any hate crimes.

Ofir Akunis, Consul General of Israel in New York, spoke about the strong bond between Israel and the NYPD in addressing the shared threat of terrorism. He expressed gratitude for the NYPD’s continued efforts to safeguard the Jewish community.

Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart concluded the event by praising the work of Jewish Communal Organizations in supporting both the NYPD and the broader community. He also expressed his appreciation for the Jewish community’s partnership with the NYPD in enhancing public safety.

Several key representatives from the Mayor’s office were present, including Joel Eisdorfer, Chairman of Mayor Eric Adams’ Jewish Advisory Council; Menashe Shapiro, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor; Fred Kreizman, Mayor’s CAU Commissioner; Ed Mermelstein, Mayor’s International Affairs Commissioner; Uri Fraenkel, Director of the Mayor’s Special Projects Office; Moshe Davis, CAU Jewish Liaison; NYC Councilman Kalman Yeger; and City Council Jewish Liaison Pesach Osina.

The event was also attended by numerous NYPD officials, clergy liaisons, and community leaders.

Notable NYPD officials attending the meeting included First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart, Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry, Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard, Deputy Commissioner of Legal Matters Michael Gerber, Chief of Patrol John Chell, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, Chief of Personnel John Benoit, Chief of Information Technology Ruben Beltran, Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera, Deputy Commissioner Bob Barrows, Chief Surgeon Dr. Eli Kleinman, Chief of Brooklyn South Charles McEvoy & NYPD Clergy Liaisons Abe Friedman, David Heskiel, Abe Brown, Rabbi Berish Freilich, Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Rabbi Edgar Gluck, Abe Rosenberg, Nachman Kletzky, Zishe Lax, Shneur Grossman & NYPD Honorary Surgeon Rafi Lilker.

Notable leaders in attendance included Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff, Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, State Police Troop NYC Major Chris Casale, Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman, Hatzalah CEO Rabbi Yechiel Kalish, Flatbush Shomrim Executive Coordinator Bob Moskovitz, Flatbush Hatzalah Coordinator Moshe Wulliger, Boro Park Shomrim Coordinators Motty Katz, Motty Brauner & Shlomie Levy, Crown Heights Shomrim Coordinator Gadi Hershkop, Williamsburg Shomrim Coordinators Yanky Itzkowitz & Asher Markowitz, Far Rockaway Shomrim Coordinator Sholem Klein, Misaskim Cofounder Meyer Weill, Misaskim CEO Matis Soffer, Israel’s Deputy Consul General Tsach Saar, Community Leaders Harry Adjmi & Victor Shine and an array of other Hatzalah and Shomrim leaders.

The briefing concluded with a memorial tribute honoring Rabbi Yankie Meyer, Founder of Misaskim, and retired Deputy Chief Chuck Scholl of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South.

While there are no credible threats to the Jewish community at this time, the NYPD urges everyone to remain vigilant. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately by calling 911 or the NYPD Counterterrorism Hotline at 1-888-NYC-SAFE.

This annual briefing reinforces the NYPD’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all New Yorkers, particularly during this important period for the Jewish community.