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COJO Holds Successful Annual Pre-Chanukah Food Distribution
Edited by: TJVNews.com
The Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) successfully concluded its Annual Pre-Chanukah Food Distribution at the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan in the New Springville section of Staten Island. Over 600 food packages, filled with dairy products, produce, and grocery essentials, were assembled and distributed to community members in need. This vital initiative ensured that families could enjoy traditional festive meals during the upcoming Chanukah holiday.
The event was a collective effort led by Iva Reuven, COJO’s Food Pantry and Social Services Director, and her dedicated team, who worked tirelessly to assemble and distribute the packages.
Rabbi Aharon Zeev, Rabbi of Aur Torah, reflected on the significance of the initiative:
“As a community Rabbi, my mission is to engage people in Torah, Mitzvot, Tefillah, and Chesed. At a time when the Jewish people face challenges both domestically and in Israel, this kind of community effort brings hope and unity. The COJO food pantry, a mitzvah project adopted by Aur Torah under the leadership of President Reuven Oshri, is a powerful chesed vehicle that advances Ahavat Yisrael. I thank Mendy Mirocznik, COJO President, and Iva Reuven for their dedication to serving the community, which is so desperately needed in these trying times.”
Mendy Mirocznik, COJO President, expressed deep gratitude to COJO’s partners for making the food distribution a success:
“This annual effort would not have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of Met Council. I thank David G. Greenfield, CEO and Executive Director of Met Council; Aaron Cyperstein, Associate Council and Director of External Affairs; Jessica Chait, Managing Director of Food Programs; Benjamin Zaientz, Quality Specialist; and Rebecca Glass, Pantry Coordinator, for their unwavering encouragement and partnership. Together, we were able to make a meaningful impact for families in need this Chanukah.”
Mirocznik also acknowledged the invaluable support of the NYPD, whose involvement ensured a smooth and successful distribution:
“From assisting with packing and distributing food to providing traffic control, the NYPD has been an essential partner. COJO is proud of our strong relationship with the NYPD, and their participation reflects their deep care and commitment to the Staten Island community.”
Special recognition was given to:
Chief Melissa A. Eger, Staten Island Borough Commander
Inspector Glorisel Lee, Commanding Officer, Pct. 121
Captain Matthew Divito, Executive Officer, Pct. 121
Officer Scott Gusenfitter, Community Affairs, Pct. 121
Officer John Sibal, Community Affairs, Pct. 121
Mirocznik concluded:
“Thanks to Rabbi Zeev, Iva Reuven, and the dedicated members of Aur Torah, this food distribution was not just an act of kindness but a celebration of unity and friendship. These moments of coming together are what our community needs most during these challenging times.”
Chief Melissa Eger echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration:
“The NYPD values our relationship with COJO and appreciates the opportunity to support their impactful initiatives. By working together, we build trust, strengthen relationships, and enhance the quality of life and public safety for all residents of Staten Island. We look forward to continued collaboration with Mendy Mirocznik, Iva Reuven, and the entire COJO team. Together, we are truly making a difference.”
The Pre-Chanukah Food Distribution served not only as a resource for families but as a meaningful opportunity to foster community spirit and solidarity during the holiday season.
