I was privileged to join fellow Queens Shmira members this past New Year’s Eve and the following afternoon to bring smiles to our local police officers in a small but touching tribute on this legal holiday. In coordination with donations from the local Jewish community, we gave thanks to the police officers of the 102, 107, and 112th New York Police Departments simply for being on duty over New Year’s celebrations and providing necessary law enforcement to our communities. Despite the festivities, we encountered the Commanding Officers each at their posts, ready to serve if needed. We commend Kew Gardens’ Deputy Inspector Jeremy Kivlin, Kew Gardens Hills’ Capt. Mo C. Tsang, and Forest Hills’ Capt. David Cordano for running stellar operations. We also welcomed rookie officers beginning their first tours with the start of the new year.
The three precincts were treated to fresh pizza dinners and a choice of delicious pastas for lunch. During the daytime visit to the Kew Gardens precinct, Hatzolah of Queens and Great Neck was also on hand with a fleshig spread of deli and chicken platters courtesy of Seasons Supermarket. Hatzolah presentations were made to the 107th precinct as the representative for Patrol Borough South, the 112th precinct as the representative for Patrol Borough North, NYPD Highway Patrol Unit 3 in Hollis on the Grand Central Parkway, and Nassau County Police Department 6th Precinct in Manhasset. The impact of our community’s organizations and concerned citizens was not lost on the officers.
We were joined by clergy liaisons Rabbi Daniel Pollack (102), Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov (107), and Avraham Pinkhasov, community liaison to the 112 and Queens Shmira Coordinator, who all delivered poignant remarks of gratitude to officers.
Security, public safety, and reassurance were the themes we discussed with the officers as we offered appreciation for the police presence as we rang in 2024. Moreover, we encouraged the officers to give special gratitude to their families.
The Shmira Board of Directors and Coordinators thank Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Queens Jewish Community Council, ES Clinical Research Group, Beth Gavriel, and our publications for their partnership in contributing to this worthy cause.
By Shabsie Saphirstein, Community Outreach Coordinator, Queens Shmira
