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COJO Hosts Annual Tu BeShevat Food Distribution for Staten Island Families
Edited by: TJVNews.com
On February 4th, the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) held its highly anticipated Tu BeShevat food distribution at the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan in the New Springville section of Staten Island. This annual event served approximately 300 families, providing them with a variety of fruits, produce, and essential groceries, helping them observe Tu BeShevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, in the most dignified and respectful way possible.
The successful event was made possible through a strong partnership with the Aur Torah community, local law enforcement, and dedicated volunteers. Mendy Mirocznik, COJO’s president, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the contributions that made the distribution a reality. “It is thanks to the generosity of Aur Torah that COJO is able to service the community in this meaningful way,” Mirocznik said. “Their support ensures that families can observe Tu BeShevat with the traditional foods needed to celebrate the holiday properly.”
Iva Reuven, COJO’s Food Pantry Director, played a central role in organizing the event, leading a team of volunteers that worked alongside the NYPD to ensure smooth operations. Reuven shared her pride in the work, saying, “Serving the Staten Island community is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing more fulfilling than giving back, and I’m grateful for the leadership of Mendy Mirocznik and the dedication of our Service Committee. Together, we are a family serving families, and that spirit drives everything we do.”
Mirocznik expressed heartfelt gratitude to Annesa Ali, Founder and President of Making a Change with Kindness, along with her daughters Mia and Maya, for their unwavering dedication to inspiring the youth. Through their efforts, they organized and brought young people to the pantry as part of Ali’s renowned Kids Give Back Program, which has become highly sought after for its impact. “COJO is proud to collaborate with community leaders like Annesa Ali, who passionately leads the charge to create positive change. By instilling in our youth, the values of love, compassion, kindness, and responsibility, she is helping to shape a better world. The children who are part of Making a Change with Kindness not only embrace these principles, but they actively live them, spreading what we call ‘vitamin love’—the most powerful remedy for a better world.”
In addition to the hard work of COJO’s volunteers, the event would not have been as successful without the support of the New York Police Department. Chief Melissa Eger, Staten Island Borough Commander, Inspector Glorisel Lee, Commanding Officer, Pct. 121, Captain Mathew Devito, Executive Officer, Pct. 121, Sgt. Thomas Rodriguez, Community Affairs Bureau, Officer Sean Mondello, Community Affairs, Pct. 121, Captain Ryan Russel, Commanding Officer, New York State, MTA Police, District 9, Staten Island and several other officers were on hand, contributing to the packing, distribution, and even traffic control to ensure a seamless experience for all. “We deeply value our partnership with the NYPD,” Mirocznik added. “Their participation helps enhance public safety and contributes to the overall quality of life for Staten Island residents.”
“On behalf of the NYPD, Chief Eger remarked that the positive partnership between COJO and the NYPD goes beyond food distributions and resource fairs. It is a strategic collaboration that helps bring the NYPD and the community closer together, creating a safe and welcoming space for interaction and relationship-building. From a police standpoint, this partnership strengthens public safety and enhances the quality of life for Staten Island. We thank Mendy Mirocznik, Rabbi Zeev, and Iva Reuven, and we look forward to participating in your ongoing activities.”
The event not only provided essential food items to families in need but also highlighted the strength of community collaboration. With the leadership of COJO and the unwavering support of volunteers, local partners, and the NYPD, the Tu BeShevat food distribution continues to be a shining example of Staten Island’s spirit of togetherness and generosity.
A Family-Oriented Mission
This annual event, which brings people from all walks of life together, showcases the power of community service and the impact that local organizations can have in supporting their neighbors. As the year continues, COJO remains committed to its mission of helping Staten Island residents by offering essential services and fostering a sense of belonging among all.
