This past New Year’s Eve and Day, Queens Shmira once again stepped up to honor and thank New York’s dedicated first responders. In a heartfelt initiative, the organization spearheaded a “Meals for Heroes” drive, delivering delicious food to members of New York’s Finest and Bravest who spent the holiday away from their families to serve and protect our city. Partnering with Queens Jewish Link and other generous sponsors, this effort brought smiles and gratitude to precincts and firehouses across Queens.
Working alongside coordinator Avraham Pincasov, I had the privilege of delivering piping-hot pizza and fries from Benjy’s Kosher Pizza—a favorite among local officers. Our journey took us to several NYPD precincts, including the 102nd in Kew Gardens, the 107th in Kew Gardens Hills, the 112th in Forest Hills, and the NYPD Transit Bureau 20 in Briarwood, continuing a tradition of appreciation we’ve upheld for years.
This year, we also visited the 109th Precinct, which we had recently partnered with for Chanukah events alongside Chabad of Northeast Queens in Whitestone. The 109th Precinct’s jurisdiction includes major landmarks such as NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, formerly Booth Memorial Hospital, and is bordered by the Long Island Expressway. Additionally, we brought meals to the 111th Precinct, with whom we had coordinated a Chanukah car parade that started at the Sephardic Jewish Center of Hollis Hills, which is found in their sector. It was a tremendous honor to show our gratitude to these officers and bring them some holiday cheer.
On New Year’s Day, the gratitude extended to the FDNY. We delivered meals to the firefighters at Engine 315 and Ladder 125 in Fresh Meadows, which serves Kew Gardens Hills and recently responded to a house fire caused by an unattended menorah. This emergency required reinforcements from Engine 305 and Ladder 151 in Forest Hills, who were also treated to a visit and a meal. While firehouses are equipped with full kitchens, the gesture of bringing food was greatly appreciated, giving these heroes a welcome break from their routine of cooking.
A variety of dairy pasta dishes were delivered to the 102nd and 112th precincts for lunch, while the 107th precinct enjoyed a hearty, lavish meal thanks to Hiski Meirov, proprietor of Holy Schnitzel, who graciously assisted with sponsorship. Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Executive Director of the Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC), took time to personally join the delivery to the 112th Precinct, ensuring the officers felt the community’s gratitude.
The Meals for Heroes drive marked the conclusion of Queens Shmira’s 2025 holiday program, which included similar food deliveries over the December 25th legal holiday. This larger initiative served to acknowledge the sacrifices of first responders throughout the holiday season and reinforce the community’s appreciation for their unwavering commitment.
Special thanks are extended to Linda Spiegel, Public Affairs Director at Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Administrator Kwang Lee for their steadfast sponsorship, Rabbi Gavriel Robenov of Hadar Bet Yaakov, and the Queens Jewish community members who contributed to this effort. Their generosity and appreciation for law enforcement and first responders exemplify the strong bond between the community and those who protect it day and night without fail.
The Meals for Heroes initiative by Queens Shmira is a testament to the power of gratitude and unity, showing that even small acts of kindness can bring immense joy to those who serve selflessly. Thank you to all who made this year’s distribution a success, and may the tradition continue to grow in the years ahead.
By Shabsie Saphirstein