The onset of the Yamim Noraim has made for a longstanding tradition of coordinating efforts for public safety with local police departments. Beth Gavriel Bukharian Congregation had the privilege of hosting such a meeting in the third floor beit hamedrash of their Forest Hills facility, where New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman convened an informational and practical gathering.
The roundtable conversation included the presence of powerful brass within the New York Police Department, from Capt. David Cordano, Commanding Officer of the local 112th precinct, to Inspector Richie Taylor, Commanding Officer of the Department's Community Affairs bureau. The steadfast dedication of the officers to the community was readily apparent. The discussions centered on the swift actions that the NYPD takes against local crime. "It's through collaborative efforts like these that we can make our community even safer," said Cordano. "Your commitment to our shared goals is truly appreciated."
The meeting was arranged in coordination with shul Board Member Shalom Zirkiev and his wife Victoria; shul president Ilia Koptiev and his son Rob; Pesach Osina, Director of Communications and Outreach for Jewish Affairs for New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams; Avraham Pinkhasov, QBSP-Shmira coordinator and liaison to the precinct; and community influencers Emanuel Elishaev, Ilan Elishayev, and Boris Shamayev.
By Shabsie Saphirstein, Community Outreach Coordinator, QBSP-Shmira