This past summer, the Queens community was introduced to the New York Police Department Shomrim Society for the launch of their Safe Shabbat program at Hashevaynu in Kew Gardens Hills. On Thursday, March 24, members of the group hosted their highly anticipated Annual Dinner Dance and Installation of Officers. As we reconnect with friends and loved ones after over two years without large public gatherings, newly elected President Philip Weisbord greeted event goers with great pride. NYPD Chief of Department Kenneth Corey commended the NYPD Shomrim Society for their efforts in support of their Jewish membership and the city as a whole. Chief Chaplain and NYPD Shomrim Society Spiritual Director Dr. Rabbi Alvin Kass led the prayer over the event and broke bread with special guest NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The newly elected board members were honored by Mayor Adams, who administered their oath of office, and spoke passionately about fighting crime on behalf of all NYC residents.

The Queens Jewish Link thanks Police Officer Josh Zucker for sharing the triumphs of Shomrim Society and congratulates him on being anointed to the position of the Second Vice President. Zucker began his career with the NYPD at the start of 2015 and has consistently served the city in Brooklyn North.

Defined as a fraternal organization for Jewish men and women sworn to the Department, the Society began operations in 1924 under Capt. Jacob Kaminsky, when just one percent of the Department was Jewish, and has consistently operated with a new president each year. The years of the Great Depression saw the largest increase at the Society, where civil service lists show 400 additional members over the years 1935-37. In recent years, the same officer has been chosen to serve two consecutive terms as president of the Society. Today, Jewish officers hold varied positions throughout the NYPD, including almost every rank. The Society has taken on many more frum members over the last number of years. Above all, the Society largely focuses on funeral and burial services for Jewish members of the NYPD family.

The NYPD Shomrim Society thanks all who attended their Annual Dinner Dance, in person and in spirit.

By Shabsie Saphirstein