Safeguarding the Days of Awe: COJO’s Annual Security Briefing with the NYPD

Edited by: TJVNews.com

As the Jewish High Holidays—Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—approach, the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) once again took proactive steps to ensure the safety of our community. This year’s 59th Annual Pre-High Holiday Security Briefing, led by COJO President Mendy Mirocznik and COJO Security Chairman Ari Weiss, reaffirmed the powerful and vital partnership between COJO, Staten Island Shomrim, and the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

The High Holidays are a time of profound spiritual significance, drawing large crowds to our synagogues and institutions. This increased attendance demands heightened security measures, and the annual briefing serves as the central planning session to coordinate all efforts. Our joint strategy involves everything from reviewing threat scenarios to ensuring efficient communication channels are open 24/7.

Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, the NYPD Borough Commander for Staten Island, recognized our leaders and the successful collaboration. She praised the COJO team for being “exemplary guardians of sacred community trust” and emphasized that our coordinated efforts are “especially critical during the holidays when larger than normal crowds attend synagogue and prayer services.” This model of police-community teamwork is what makes Staten Island safer for everyone.

The effectiveness of this essential relationship was highlighted by our local religious leaders:

Rabbi Ahaorn Zeev of Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan stated: “The NYPD and the COJO-NYPD relationship is a great partnership; their professionalism and commitment ensure that our congregations can focus on prayer and reflection, knowing they are protected.”

Rabbi Yaakov Lehrfield of Young Israel of Staten Island added: “This is not just a partnership; it’s a profound commitment to our community’s safety. The preparation and dedication shown by the NYPD, working alongside COJO, truly embody what it means to serve and protect with excellence.”

At the heart of the initiative, COJO President Mendy Mirocznik stressed the necessity of constant vigilance. “As we approach the Days of Awe, our greatest priority is ensuring that every member of our community can worship in peace and security,” he concluded. “Our partnership with the NYPD is the bedrock of our safety infrastructure. Ari Weiss and the Shomrim work tirelessly, and by coordinating closely with law enforcement, we are sending a clear message: the safety of our community is non-negotiable, and we stand united for security.”

This year’s briefing was a resounding success, reinforcing the multi-layered protection in place. As you enter your synagogues this holiday season, you can do so with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that dedicated community leaders, volunteers, and the finest police department are working in concert to keep you safe.