COJO Staten Island Partners with NYPD, FDNY, and DSNY for a Safe and Successful Passover 2026 Celebration

Edited by: TJVNews.com

STATEN ISLAND, NY — The Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) is proud to announce the successful completion of its annual Passover coordination efforts, ensuring a safe, clean, and memorable holiday for the entire community. In a massive logistical undertaking, COJO worked hand-in-hand with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), and the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to facilitate the traditional bread burning (Biur Chametz) and holiday sanitation pickups.

This year’s efforts were spearheaded by Ari Weiss, COJO Security Chairman and Coordinator of Staten Island Shomrim, and Ben Nezberg, COJO Board Chairman. Their tireless work in coordinating with city agencies allowed for multiple supervised bread-burning sites across the borough, ensuring that religious traditions were observed with the highest safety standards.

Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO, expressed his deep appreciation for the collaboration:

“Passover 2026 has been an exceptionally safe and memorable holiday for our community, and that is a direct result of the incredible partnership we share with our city’s bravest and finest. Our goal is always to balance the observance of our sacred traditions with the safety of our neighborhoods. I want to thank our city partners for their dedication to making this a seamless and joyous activity for every family on Staten Island.”

COJO extends a special thank you to Chief Melissa Eger, Staten Island Police Borough Commander; Chief David Simms, Staten Island Fire Borough Commander; and Chief Chris Hancock, Staten Island Sanitation Borough Commander. All three commanders were on hand personally to supervise operations and ensure their teams were integrated into the community’s holiday preparations.

Chief Melissa Eger, NYPD Staten Island Borough Commander, stated:

“The NYPD values the strong, transparent relationship we have built with COJO. This operation is a testament to what we can achieve through mutual respect and open communication. I want to thank Mendy, Ben, Ari, and Annesa Ali for their leadership. Their commitment to community relations ensures that Staten Island remains a safe place to celebrate and live.”

Chief David Simms, FDNY Staten Island Borough Commander, added:

“Fire safety is our primary concern during the bread-burning tradition, and COJO makes our job easier every year by organizing these sites with such precision. It is a pleasure to work with Mendy, Ben, Ari, and Annesa. Their proactive approach prevents accidents and allows the community to focus on the meaning of the holiday.”

Chief Chris Hancock, Staten Island Sanitation Commander, remarked:

“Managing the increased volume of waste during the Passover season requires a coordinated strike team, and COJO’s assistance in streamlining this process is invaluable. We thank Mendy, Ben, Ari, and Annesa for their logistical support. This partnership is a model for how city agencies and community organizations should work together.”

A vital component of this year’s success was the work of Annesa Ali, COJO Chief of Staff, who served as the primary coordinator for the multi-agency operation. Her efforts ensured that every site was staffed and the community was well-informed. Reflecting on the involvement of the next generation, she noted:

“It is inspiring to see so many of our youth involved in these holiday preparations. By participating in these traditions safely and seeing the respect between our community and the NYPD, FDNY, and DSNY, they are learning the importance of civic responsibility and community pride. Our youth are the future of this partnership, and we are proud to lead by example.”

COJO Staten Island remains committed to its 58-year tradition of serving as the bridge between the Jewish community and the city agencies that keep Staten Island safe, clean, and vibrant.

About COJO Staten Island: The Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) is the representative voice of the Staten Island Jewish community, dedicated to social services, community relations, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents through advocacy and partnership.