Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban and other NYPD and Mayoral officials joined with community leaders for a pre-Yom Tov Security Briefing at NYPD Police Headquarters on Monday, September 9, 2024.
Commissioner Caban spoke about public safety and the strong relationship between the NYPD and the Jewish community, especially after the horrific October 7th terrorist attack in Israel. Commissioner Caban stated there will be an increased police presence at synagogues and gave special acknowledgment to Deputy Chief Richie Taylor for organizing the briefing and for his leadership in the Community Affairs Bureau.
Chief Chaplain Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass spoke about the deep meaning of the upcoming Yomim Noraim and the days of awe which we commemorate.
Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner spoke about how the NYPD keeps the Jewish community of NYC safe and that there are no credible threats to the Jewish community or any community of NYC.
Deputy Inspector Gary Marcus of the Hate Crime Task Force spoke about the work that the Hate Crime Task Force does to keep the Jewish community safe and he stated that the task force remains ready to investigate and arrest anyone who commits a hate crime. He thanked Devorah Halberstam, Chair of the Hate Crimes Civilian review panel for her work on investigating hate crimes.
Ofir Akunis, the Consul General of Israel in New York spoke about the trusting and meaningful relationship between the Israeli government and the NYPD and about the reality of the dangers of terrorism. He also thanked the NYPD for their steadfast work in keeping the Jewish community safe and partnering with Israel during these uncertain times.
In closing remarks, Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart acknowledged the tremendous work performed by many chesed organizations in the Jewish community he thanked the Jewish community for partnering with the Police Department.
“This year’s High Holiday briefing was especially meaningful, because we are living in times where there’s a lot of hate directed at Jews and Crown Heights, unfortunately,” NYPD Honorary Commissioner Devorah Halberstam said. “We are grateful that the NYPD is out there with extra resources over the course of the High Holidays.
“People should remember, that if they see something, they should say something. It’s up to each and every one of us to be aware of our surroundings, and if they see anything that is out of place to call the local precinct.”
Chairman of Mayor Eric Adams’ Jewish Advisory Council Joel Eisdorfer, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor Menashe Shapiro, Mayor’s CAU Commissioner Fred Kreizman, Director of the Mayor’s Special Projects Office Uri Fraenkel, CAU Jewish Liaison Moshe Davis, NYC Councilman Kalman Yeger and City Council Jewish Liaison Pesach Osina were also in attendance.
Notable NYPD officials attending the meeting included First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart, Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry, Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard, Deputy Commissioner of Legal Matters Michael Gerber, Chief of Patrol John Chell, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, Chief of Personnel John Benoit, Chief of Information Technology Ruben Beltran, Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera, Deputy Commissioner Bob Barrows, Chief Surgeon Dr. Eli Kleinman, Chief of Brooklyn South Charles McEvoy, 71 Precinct Commanding Officer Tommy Smith, NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel and Pinny Hikind of the NY Comptrollers Office.
Notable Crown Heights leaders in attendance included NYPD Honorary Commissioner Devorah Halberstam, NYPD Clergy Liaisons Chanina Sperlin and Rabbi Eli Cohen, Vaad Hakohol members Meir New and Yitzie Kamman, Crown Heights Shomrim Coordinator Gadi Hershkop and an array of other Hatzalah, Shmira and Shomrim leaders.
A meaningful memorial tribute was highlighted on the screens for Rabbi Yankie Meyer, Founder of Misaskim, and retired Deputy Chief Chuck Scholl of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South.
NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor organized the briefing to ensure its success. All the food was glatt kosher which was provided by New York Essen Deli.
The NYPD Honor Guard presented the colors after which International Jewish Music Recording Artist Shulem Lemmer beautifully sang the National Anthem for the crowd of over 400 people.
Although there are no credible threats to the Jewish community of New York City, if you see anything suspicious, report it to either 911 or the NYPD Counterterrorism Hotline at 1-888-NYC-SAFE.
thank you for protecting us, I am not sure what we would do without you
It’s really appreciated and needed
Last week Friday erev shabbos a black male walked right by 770 and threw a glass bottle at women while yelling antisemetic slurs and the cop standing there just watched. This could have been even worse… they don’t care and no one cares it’s only we who can protect each other.
Shomrim is the best thank you for Everything