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COJO Commends Israeli Police Delegation at Meet and Greet Breakfast
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Staten Island, New York – May 14, 2023 – The Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) hosted a special meet and greet breakfast on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan of Staten Island. The event honored the Israeli Police delegation, who were in town as part of the Police Unity Tours, a fundraising bicycle ride to raise awareness of police officers who have fallen in the line of duty. COJO expressed their deep appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers from both Israel and the United States.
The Police Unity Tour was initiated in 1997 by Officer Patrick P. Montoure of the Florham Park Police Department, aiming to bring public awareness to fallen police officers and honor their sacrifices. The tour involves a four-day bicycle ride that concludes at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The event has grown to include nine national chapters with 2,500 members who participate annually.
Since 2017, the Israeli Police have been actively involved in the Police Unity Tour, joining their American counterparts on a bicycle ride from the World Trade Center to Washington, D.C. This collaboration has strengthened the bond between the Israeli and American law enforcement communities. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial pays tribute to 23,000 fallen American officers, while the Israeli Memorial commemorates over 1,200 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. At the memorial in Washington, D.C., both the Israeli Police and American police officers honor each other’s fallen comrades.
Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO, expressed gratitude to Rabbi Aharon Zeev, President Oshri Reuven, and the Aur Torah Synagogue for generously hosting the event. He also acknowledged Rabbi Tzvi Berkowitz, Chief Chaplain Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) State Police (Retired) and National Chaplain for the National Conference of Shomrim Societies, and to Chief Mike Safris, Essex County Sheriff Office, for organizing the meet and greet for the Israeli police delegation participating in the Police Unity Tours.
“Today’s meet and greet demonstrates the support that we have towards law enforcement of both countries and the importance of the continuation and strengthening of the American Israeli bond, which is so very crucial at this important time in world events,” Mirocznik emphasized.
Mirocznik, then thanked Scott Maurer, COJO CEO and Executive Vice-President for his generosity in sponsoring the breakfast and then formally recognized the police dignitaries and top NYPD brass who were in attendance such as Rabbi Bruce Oachs, Chaplain MTA Police, NYPD Chief Gin Yee, Staten Island Borough Commander, Chief Terence Hurson, Executive Officer, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Lt. Rafet Awad, Commanding Officer, Community Affairs, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Inspector Timothy Wilson, Commanding Officer, Pct. 122, Sgt. Dennis Wu, Commanding Officer, Neighborhood Coordinating Officers, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Officer Jeanette Alvarez, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Community Affairs Officer Sean Mondello, Pct. 121, and Community Affairs Officer Tom Alessi, Pct. 123 for attending and showing their support. Mirocznik emphasized, we at COJO always feel blessed and honored to be in the company of the NYPD. It truly is a privilege and an honor.”
During the breakfast, Scott Maurer, CEO and Executive Vice-President of COJO, commended the Israeli delegation led by Major General Avi Bitton, Commander Central District Israeli Police, and Chief Jonathan Zeitak, Chief Superintendent of the Israeli Border Patrol. Maurer expressed pride in hosting the Israeli team. Maurer, declared that “we at COJO want the Israeli team to know that we are proud of you, and we are always honored to have you and to break bread and spend time with you.”
The Israeli Police Delegation members participating in the Police Unity Tours were as follows:
Lital Harel
Shai Kovnator
Eyal Shpigel
Doron Golan-Davidovich
Limor Hazut
Eran Levi
Golan Cohen
Avner Sharifi
Roi Ezra
Roy Valdman
Mordechai Hadad
Jonathan Zeitak
Sharif Khatib
David Malka
Avi Bitton
Rabbi Aharon Zeev concluded the meet and greet breakfast with a prayer, invoking the protection and well-being of law enforcement officers worldwide. He expressed his, “gratitude for their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety.” Rabbi Zeev emphasized the community’s, “strong respect, reverence, and appreciation for law enforcement, acknowledging their valiant heroism and valued efforts.”
Also participating was Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Torah Editor of the Jewish Press and President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, Rabbi Yaakov Lehrfield, Young Israel of Staten Island, and Orit Lender, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island.
