Rav Reuvain Feinstein Joins Police Commissioner and Neighborhood Reps
This year’s NYPD Pre-Pesach Security Briefing at One Police Plaza drew significant attendance, more than 400, with strong participation from all the city’s Jewish communities.
No credible threats to the NYC Jewish community were known amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, but the drastic rise in anti-Semitism saw the need for increased police presence in regions openly celebrating Pesach. The annual gathering of clergy liaisons, community leaders, and influential rabbinical voices, alongside Dep. Chief Richie Taylor, Commissioner of the Department’s Community Affairs Bureau, solidified the value of the program to the Jewish community that has successfully engaged in collaborative efforts with varied branches of law enforcement. Safety and security for Jewish New Yorkers has become a paramount city objective, guided by Mayor Eric Adams’ leadership. Community policing, a fortifying badge of this administration, has built new pathways of trust between diverse, peaceful, and goal-oriented populations and their respective law enforcement entities.
Captain Mo C. Tsang, Commanding Officer of the 107th Precinct, welcomed our department-issued van on arrival. Since March of last year, under the assertive direction of Comm. Taylor, Community Affairs officers are more accessible to the communities where they cultivated years of relationships, freeing them up from obligatoriness to commanding officers that allegedly mitigated their availability to the greater community. Our Northern Queens portion is served by Patrol Borough Queens South Community Affairs Section P.O. Kevin J. McCarthy, soon entering his 22nd year with the NYPD, and Tim J. Gorman, who will begin his 11th uniformed year in the community he has known since youth. Both know the area like the back of their hands and are likewise recognized by residents.
Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, clergy liaison to the precinct, along with his son; Alan Sherman; Yaakov Serle; me; and Zach Feldman, an LCM political science student, enjoyed the officers’ company at the session. The informal exchange that preceded remarks allowed askanim to meet one other, swap efficient tactics, and interact with the echelons of the NYPD.
In awe, I witnessed Rav Reuven Feinstein, Rosh HaYeshiva of Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem, the Yeshiva of Staten Island, offer a touching and tailored brachah to Police Commissioner Ed Caban upon his entrance to the event. The presence of esteemed leaders of the highest caliber underscored the importance of the NYPD’s commitment to keeping the Jewish community safe at all costs.
Beri Weber, an internationally-recognized Chassidic music recording artist, kicked off the program with a commanding rendition of the National Anthem. Weber followed the NYPD Honor Guard’s presentation of the colors. James Earl Jones’ narration once again followed with the NYPD Heroes video presentation, showcasing the brave men and women risking their lives in service to the NYPD as they protect our city.
Joel Eisdorfer, Senior Advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, Fred Kreizman, Commissioner of the mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, and Moshe Davis, his Jewish Liaison, were in attendance alongside NYC Council Members Lynn Schulman, Kalman Yeger, and Inna Vernikov, in addition to Pesach Osina, Jewish Liaison to Council Speaker Adrianne Adams, Pinny Hikind, Jewish Liaison to NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and Simon Sebag, Jewish Liaison to NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
“The terror attacks on October 7 changed the public safety landscape, and we’re still feeling the ripple effects of that terrible day,” said Police Commissioner Caban in his opening statement, as he emphasized the importance of community partnership. The commissioner referenced the emergency p’kuach nefesh virtual call he led on that fateful Shabbos afternoon organized by Comm. Taylor, where I had represented Queens Jewry. Following a pledge from the commissioner for an increased police presence at synagogues, I worked directly with our Community Affairs officers to ensure complete coverage throughout the chag. By order of the commissioner, the NYPD Ceremonial Unit gave special acknowledgment to Dep. Chief Taylor for his organization of the program and his leadership at the Community Affairs Bureau.
“Jews who display openly overt signs of their Jewishness shouldn’t have to feel insecure, anxious, and apprehensive,” said Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass, NYPD Chief Chaplain. “It’s hard to think that after so many thousands of years, anti-Semitism is still alive and well.” Klass delivered a spiritual perspective on the trials facing Jews worldwide and here at home, and mentioned the deep meaning of the holiday.
John Hart, Assistant Chief of the NYPD Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau, provided valuable insight into the current threat landscape and department measures taken to address potential security risks. Due to the escalation of conflict in Israel resulting in local uprising, Dror Shitret, Chief of Security at the Israeli Consulate in New York, and Emanuel (Ami) Magen, Regional Security Director at the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister, had great praise for the NYPD’s dedication to the city’s many Jewish communities, and each offered their standpoints on the international and domestic hardships. Shitret noted the trusting relationship between the Israeli government and the NYPD, while Magen focused on the reality of the dangers of terrorism.
Captain Johnny Wong, Executive Officer of NYPD Hate Crime Task Force, provided a statistical update on hate crimes, highlighted by the department’s zero-tolerance approach to such acts. Mark Stewart, second in command to Dep. Chief Taylor at the Community Affairs Bureau, closed out the colloquium reinforcing the tried-and-true commitment to cooperation and mutual support between law enforcement agencies and the greater communities they serve, including our various chesed organizations.
As the Community Outreach Coordinator for Queens Shmira, I can attest that open communication with the police, mutual respect by our members, and our shared commitment to public safety allows the NYPD to continue to protect Queens residents and all New Yorkers.
A meaningful memorial tribute included R’ Yankie Meyer, Founder of Misaskim, and retired Dep. Chief Chuck Scholl of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South.
As always, report anything suspicious to 911, NYPD Counterterrorism Hotline (1-888-NYC-SAFE), and Queens Shmira (718-329-4444).
Photos By Shabsie Saphirstein
