Annual NYPD Pre-Passover Security Briefing

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On March 29 ,2023, New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell and other ranking brass joined with community leaders and convened the Annual NYPD Pre-Passover Security Briefing at police Headquarters. Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO); and Ari Weiss, COJO, Security Chairman and Coordinator Staten Island Shomrim represented COJO at the briefing.

The briefing was opened by the NYPD Honor Guard who presented the colors after which International Jewish Music Recording Artist Yoni Z beautifully sang the National Anthem.

Commissioner Sewell spoke about public safety and the strong relationship between the NYPD and the Jewish community. Commissioner Sewell stated that due to the nature of Passover holiday there will be an increased police presence at synagogues and gave special acknowledgement and recognition to Inspector Richie Taylor for his leadership as the Commanding Officer of Community Affairs Outreach.

Chief Chaplain Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass spoke Passover is the Independence Day of the Jewish nation and the strength that gives the Jewish people the resilience to survive.

Assistant Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner spoke about how the NYPD keeps the Jewish community of NYC safe and reported that at this time thankfully there are no credible known threats to the Jewish community.

Sergeant Jesse Ankele, from the Department’s Hate Crime Task Force reported good news that anti-Semitic hate crimes are down for the year, but his unit remains on the guard and diligent in the event a hate crime occurs to investigate, arrest and to hold accountable anyone who commits a hate crime.

Inspector Richie Taylor reported on the great service and work performed by his community affairs officers around the city. As a token of his appreciation to their dedication he asked that all community affairs officers present for the briefing to stand and to be recognized for their tireless efforts and dedicated service to the NYPD, which was met with a resounding applause from the audience. Inspector Taylor also acknowledged Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, First Deputy Commissioner Edward Caban, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart and Senior Advisor to Mayor Eric Adams Joel Eisdorfer for always being there for him, the NYPD, and the Jewish community of the City of New York.

In closing remarks, Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart acknowledged the tremendous work performed by many great volunteers organizations in the Jewish community including Hatzalah, Shomrim and Masbia and he thanked the Jewish community for partnering with the Police Department. To illustrate the point, he remarked how proud he was having attended the Staten Island COJO Annual Security Pre-Passover meeting that had representatives from all uniformed services. How, impressed he was sharing the table with the FDNY and the DSNY. The Staten Island meeting demonstrates the great cohesive partnership with the Jewish community and it is a true testament to the leadership of COJO.