“Police to the community and community to the police” is the motto at the 102nd precinct, where the community council has aimed to build bridges between the community and the department. As part of the Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative, a gathering was held on Thursday evening, August 17, with representatives from different communities in Kew Gardens, including the Jews and the Sikhs, who have the largest representations in the country right here in New York City.
“At the table sitting with us were a group of Sikh businessmen,” commented Rabbi Avrohom Hecht, Executive Director, JCC of Canarsie. “They were very interested in the communal structure of the Jewish community and how we provide educational, social, and human services. Moreover, they have had very positive contact with our Jewish-owned businesses.” Rabbi Hecht was in the company of Rabbi Daniel Pollack, clergy liaison, Aaron Cyperstein, community activist, Commanding Officer Captain Jeremy Kivlin, Sikh leader Jass Multani, and Sherry Algredo, Chair of the local Community Board 9. The members of the group were well acquainted with the names and businesses shared by the other attendees, and they both plan to continue their conversation after the Yamim Tovim.
The meeting included the participation of Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) volunteers, who are currently young adults at John Adams High School preparing to become officers in the U.S. military. The event included a visit from State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. and MSGT Robles, ASI, who educated the ROTC juniors on necessary leadership skills and concepts.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
