Staten Island COJO Unites the Borough Through Pre-Shavuot Food Distribution

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) held its annual pre-Shavuot food distribution at Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan in the New Springville section of Staten Island. In celebration of the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, hundreds of local families were provided with festive essentials, including rich dairy products, challah, grape juice, fresh produce, and other traditional foods.

Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO, expressed deep gratitude to Iva Reuven, the esteemed Director of the COJO Food Pantry, for spearheading the effort with her Service Committee team.

“It is heartwarming to see Iva Reuven working in tandem with her dedicated team of community-minded activists and volunteers,” Mirocznik said. “Their goal is singular—to bring joy and dignity to their neighbors by providing the festive foods essential to celebrating Shavuot. This unity and compassion perfectly embody the spirit of the holiday, when, according to Jewish tradition, the nation of Israel came together as one to receive the Torah at Mount Sinai. May the Almighty bless this sense of unity and help us eliminate food insecurity entirely.”

The event served more than 800 Staten Island families, underscoring the community’s unwavering commitment to compassion and care.

COJO extended heartfelt thanks to Met Council and its leadership, including CEO David Greenfield, Managing Director of Legal and External Affairs Aaron Cyperstein, Agency Relations Manager Benjamin Zaintez, and Managing Director of Food Programs Hannah Lupien, for their crucial support and generosity in making the event possible.

The organization also acknowledged its strong partnership with the NYPD, recognizing Chief Melissa Eger, Staten Island Borough Commander; Captain Danial Tovar, Executive Officer of the 121st Precinct; Captain Ryan Russel, Commanding Officer of the NYS MTA Police, District 9; Community Affairs Officer Scott Gusenfitter; Officer Donald Geloso; and Officer David Vasquez, who were present to assist with both food distribution and traffic coordination. Special thanks were given to Ari Weiss, Chairman of the COJO Security Committee and Coordinator of Staten Island Shomrim, for his leadership and presence throughout the event.

One particularly moving moment was when Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar arrived at the COJO Food Pantry for a visit and, without hesitation, rolled up her sleeves to join the distribution team.

“This is leadership by example—with heart and soul,” said Mirocznik. “Her commitment and willingness to serve epitomize what makes the COJO Food Pantry such a special place.”

Rabbi Aharon Zeev, Spiritual Leader of Aur Torah, praised the event as an uplifting expression of community and faith:

“As a community rabbi, I constantly seek meaningful ways to inspire greater observance and engagement. This year’s Shavuot food distribution was a shining example of our community at its best driven by love, respect, and mutual care. Thank you to COJO, Mendy Mirocznik, and Iva Reuven and her Service Committee for being a beacon of inspiration.”

Chief Melissa Eger of the NYPD echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader impact of COJO’s work: “Our partnership with COJO continues to build strong community relations and trust—essential elements of public safety. Events like these allow our officers to connect with residents on a personal level, reinforcing the bonds of respect and service. We’re proud of our collaboration with COJO and look forward to strengthening this rock-solid relationship even further. Thank you, Mendy, Ari, and Iva, for being such exceptional partners.”

Mirocznik, concluded by thanking Manisha Franklin, Director of Community Relations, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield; Gary Tai, Community Outreach Manager, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield; and Carina Vizhnay, Community Relations Coordinator, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield; and Jenny Palaguachi, Healthcare Advocate, Healthcare Education Project; for their support in helping make the food distribution the success that it was.