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COJO-NYPD Synagogue Safety Tour: Strengthening Community Partnerships Ahead of Sukkot
Edited by: TJVNews.com
With the Jewish community preparing for the upcoming festival of Sukkot, symbolizing the culmination of the High Holiday season, Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO), had the privilege of touring Staten Island’s synagogues and Jewish institutions. This tour was conducted in collaboration with Officer Sean Mondello and Officer John Sibal, the Community Affairs Officers of Police Precinct 121, as part of the NYPD’s commitment to ensuring the safety of our houses of worship during the High Holiday period.
Sukkot 2023 commences at sunset on September 29, 2023, and concludes at nightfall on October 6, 2023. The initial two days of Sukkot are designated as full-fledged holidays, during which no work is permitted. Subsequent days are observed as Chol Hamoed, allowing for work with certain restrictions. The festival concludes with Hoshanah Rabbah, followed by Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
Mendy Mirocznik expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of COJO, stating, “COJO deeply appreciates the unwavering support of the NYPD, and I extend my sincere thanks to Chief Joseph Gulotta, NYPD Staten Island Borough Commander; Lt. Rafet Awad, Commanding Officer of Community Affairs, Patrol Borough Staten Island; Inspector Stephen Spataro, Commanding Officer of Pct. 120; Inspector Eric Waldhelm, Commanding Officer of Pct. 121; Inspector Timothy Wilson, Commanding Officer of Pct. 122; and Captain Glorisel Lee, Commanding Officer of Pct. 123. Their accessibility and hands-on approach ensure that every precautionary measure is taken to guarantee the safety of our community as we celebrate our sacred festivals during the High Holiday period. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the NYPD, we can focus on family, friends, community, and prayer. COJO is proud of our partnership with the NYPD, and we eagerly anticipate its continued development, further enhancing public safety and the quality of life on Staten Island.”
Chief Gulotta emphasized the significance of community collaboration, stating, “Successful police work hinges on cooperation and community involvement. COJO, led by its highly respected President Mendy Mirocznik, serves as a true community partner, fostering a vital connection between borough residents and the NYPD. While ensuring safety for synagogues and Jewish institutions is a crucial aspect of our ongoing partnership, it is just one facet of our broader dialogue. I express my gratitude to COJO for their collaboration, which has played a substantial role in establishing unwavering public support for the NYPD in Staten Island. As time progresses, I anticipate the deepening of our community ties and collaboration on numerous beneficial endeavors for Staten Island.”
This collaborative effort between COJO and the NYPD stands as a testament to the commitment to community safety and solidarity during these important religious observances.
