Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island - COJO

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

"WE ARE ALL STATEN ISLAND" FELLOWSHIP AGAINST HATE CELEBRATES 2ND ANNUAL GRADUATION
STATEN ISLAND, NY — JUNE 10, 2026 — Standing at the intersection of communal advocacy, civil rights, and bridge-building, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, in lockstep partnership with the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), proudly celebrated the graduation ceremony of the 2nd Annual We Are All Staten Island Fellowship Against Hate (WAASIFAH).

The graduation, which took place today, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, marks the culmination of a rigorous six-month, cohort-based initiative designed to equip Staten Island’s nonprofit, faith-based, and civic leaders with vital tools for conflict resolution, coalition building, and systemic advocacy against bias and discrimination.

COJO President Mendy Mirocznik attended the milestone event to support the community and honor the graduates, bringing the strength of a triad of leadership pillars on Staten Island—serving as President of COJO, a proud Board Member of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, and a proud Board Member of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY).

Lauding the program's massive impact, Mendy Mirocznik issued a powerful statement praising the cooperative effort:

"Combatting hate requires deliberate, structural partnerships and local courage," said Mirocznik. "The We Are All Staten Island Fellowship Against Hate is the standard-bearer for how our diverse communities can unite to build an armor of mutual respect against bias. COJO is incredibly proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the organizations that turned this concept into a thriving, transformative reality."

Honoring the Visionary Leadership Team
Mirocznik and the COJO leadership extended their profound gratitude and praise to the visionary leadership team that drove the fellowship to its second year of success:

Orit Lender, Chief Executive Officer of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC, for her relentless dedication to community empowerment and her lifetime of leadership in bringing Staten Islanders together.

Rabbi Kevin Peters, Director of Jewish Education at the JCC, for his immense hard work, coordinating the intensive curriculum, and steering the fellowship sessions.

Matt Abrams Ge**er, Vice President of the Center for Shared Society at JCRC-New York, whose strategic framework and commitment to an interconnected New York made the entire initiative happen.

High Praise from District Attorney Michael McMahon
The collaborative effort also gained high praise from Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon, who lauded the initiative's vital role in fostering a safer, more unified borough:

"True safety and justice in our community depend on the strength of our unity and our shared refusal to let hate take root on Staten Island," said District Attorney Michael McMahon. "This collaborative effort by COJO, the JCC, JCRC-NY, and the Mayor's Office is a shining example of how we can proactively combat bias. By equipping our local leaders with the tools to build bridges, this fellowship makes our entire borough safer and stronger. I commend all the graduates and organizers for their dedication to this vital mission."

High Praise for a Man of Peace: Ali Ansari
A chief highlight of the evening for COJO leadership was the celebration of an esteemed brother and community pillar, Ali Ansari, on his official graduation from the fellowship cohort.

Praising his close friend, Mirocznik shared an expanded, emotional tribute:

"To our esteemed brother, Ali Ansari—man, we love you and we are so incredibly proud of you," said Mirocznik. "Your graduation from this fellowship is a testament to who you already are at your core. You truly are a man of peace, love, harmony, and inclusion. Your unwavering dedication to fostering understanding between communities, your gentle leadership, and your endless pursuit of unity serve as an inspiration to us all. Our borough is safer, kinder, and more unified because you are leading the way. Congratulations, my brother."

Joining Mirocznik in showering praise on both the initiative and the graduate was Annesa Ali, Chief of Staff of COJO and the Founder and President of Making a Change with Kindness. She echoed the sentiment of unity and offered her own high praise:

"This fellowship beautifully reflects everything we strive for when we talk about making a change with kindness across Staten Island," stated Annesa Ali. "I proudly join my brother Mendy Mirocznik in praising this incredible event and the visionary leadership behind it. Most of all, I join my brother Mendy in praising brother Ali Ansari. Ali, you are a beacon of harmony and inclusivity, and your leadership makes a tangible difference in our community every day. We are so proud of your graduation!"

About the Fellowship
The We Are All Staten Island Fellowship Against Hate is organized by the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC in lockstep partnership with JCRC-NY’s Center for Shared Society, COJO Staten Island, and the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) as part of the PATH-Forward initiative. The 2026 cohort engaged in intensive training, difficult community-based dialogues, and a specialized advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., returning ready to implement local community projects.

Photo Credit: Debbie Killen

06/16/2026

"WE ARE ALL STATEN ISLAND" FELLOWSHIP AGAINST HATE CELEBRATES 2ND ANNUAL GRADUATION
STATEN ISLAND, NY — JUNE 10, 2026 — Standing at the intersection of communal advocacy, civil rights, and bridge-building, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, in lockstep partnership with the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), proudly celebrated the graduation ceremony of the 2nd Annual We Are All Staten Island Fellowship Against Hate (WAASIFAH).

The graduation, which took place today, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, marks the culmination of a rigorous six-month, cohort-based initiative designed to equip Staten Island’s nonprofit, faith-based, and civic leaders with vital tools for conflict resolution, coalition building, and systemic advocacy against bias and discrimination.

COJO President Mendy Mirocznik attended the milestone event to support the community and honor the graduates, bringing the strength of a triad of leadership pillars on Staten Island—serving as President of COJO, a proud Board Member of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, and a proud Board Member of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY).

Lauding the program's massive impact, Mendy Mirocznik issued a powerful statement praising the cooperative effort:

"Combatting hate requires deliberate, structural partnerships and local courage," said Mirocznik. "The We Are All Staten Island Fellowship Against Hate is the standard-bearer for how our diverse communities can unite to build an armor of mutual respect against bias. COJO is incredibly proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the organizations that turned this concept into a thriving, transformative reality."

Honoring the Visionary Leadership Team
Mirocznik and the COJO leadership extended their profound gratitude and praise to the visionary leadership team that drove the fellowship to its second year of success:

Orit Lender, Chief Executive Officer of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC, for her relentless dedication to community empowerment and her lifetime of leadership in bringing Staten Islanders together.

Rabbi Kevin Peters, Director of Jewish Education at the JCC, for his immense hard work, coordinating the intensive curriculum, and steering the fellowship sessions.

Matt Abrams Ge**er, Vice President of the Center for Shared Society at JCRC-New York, whose strategic framework and commitment to an interconnected New York made the entire initiative happen.

High Praise from District Attorney Michael McMahon
The collaborative effort also gained high praise from Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon, who lauded the initiative's vital role in fostering a safer, more unified borough:

"True safety and justice in our community depend on the strength of our unity and our shared refusal to let hate take root on Staten Island," said District Attorney Michael McMahon. "This collaborative effort by COJO, the JCC, JCRC-NY, and the Mayor's Office is a shining example of how we can proactively combat bias. By equipping our local leaders with the tools to build bridges, this fellowship makes our entire borough safer and stronger. I commend all the graduates and organizers for their dedication to this vital mission."

High Praise for a Man of Peace: Ali Ansari
A chief highlight of the evening for COJO leadership was the celebration of an esteemed brother and community pillar, Ali Ansari, on his official graduation from the fellowship cohort.

Praising his close friend, Mirocznik shared an expanded, emotional tribute:

"To our esteemed brother, Ali Ansari—man, we love you and we are so incredibly proud of you," said Mirocznik. "Your graduation from this fellowship is a testament to who you already are at your core. You truly are a man of peace, love, harmony, and inclusion. Your unwavering dedication to fostering understanding between communities, your gentle leadership, and your endless pursuit of unity serve as an inspiration to us all. Our borough is safer, kinder, and more unified because you are leading the way. Congratulations, my brother."

Joining Mirocznik in showering praise on both the initiative and the graduate was Annesa Ali, Chief of Staff of COJO and the Founder and President of Making a Change with Kindness. She echoed the sentiment of unity and offered her own high praise:

"This fellowship beautifully reflects everything we strive for when we talk about making a change with kindness across Staten Island," stated Annesa Ali. "I proudly join my brother Mendy Mirocznik in praising this incredible event and the visionary leadership behind it. Most of all, I join my brother Mendy in praising brother Ali Ansari. Ali, you are a beacon of harmony and inclusivity, and your leadership makes a tangible difference in our community every day. We are so proud of your graduation!"

About the Fellowship
The We Are All Staten Island Fellowship Against Hate is organized by the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC in lockstep partnership with JCRC-NY’s Center for Shared Society, COJO Staten Island, and the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) as part of the PATH-Forward initiative. The 2026 cohort engaged in intensive training, difficult community-based dialogues, and a specialized advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., returning ready to implement local community projects.

Photo Credit: Debbie Killen

06/15/2026

5th Annual Jewish Heritage Night Goes BIG with Special “Menches” Uniforms, Rising Voices, and Touching 9/11 Tributes

STATEN ISLAND, NY — June 12, 2026 — Pride, community spirit, and baseball took center stage at SIUH Community Park as 670 fans gathered for the highly anticipated 5th Annual Jewish Heritage Night. In a unique twist, the Staten Island FerryHawks took the field completely rebranded for the evening as the Staten Island Menches, donning special custom jerseys to face off against the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars.

Though the Flying Boxcars ultimately secured a 6-1 victory after a hard-fought battle on the diamond, the true triumph of the night was the overwhelming display of cultural unity, joy, and resilience.

Against the backdrop of a beautiful but sweltering summer evening, the event carried a profound significance. Amid a disturbing rise in antisemitism globally and locally, Jewish Heritage Night served as a powerful, public declaration of identity, solidarity, and mutual respect. Attendees of all backgrounds enjoyed a vibrant celebration of culture that featured kosher food, lively cheering, community camaraderie, and a meaningful opportunity for spiritual connection.

A centerpiece of the evening’s cultural outreach was the Mitzvah campaign booth, where Rabbi Moshe Katzman, Director of Chabad of Staten Island, personally oversaw and facilitated the putting on of Tefillin for numerous participants, offering a deeply personal and traditional touch to the public gathering.

Honoring Our Heroes

This year’s celebration carried extra emotional weight as the community paused to recognize public service and dedication tied to the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11th.

The pre-game ceremony recognized exceptional leaders as Harbor Heroes, highlighting individuals who have dedicated their lives to the safety and spiritual care of New Yorkers:

• Chief David Simms, FDNY Staten Island Borough Commander
• Captain Yael Magori, NYPD
• Rabbi Leonard Black, whose distinguished chaplaincy career spans decades. Prior to the historic department merger, Rabbi Black served as a uniformed New York City Housing Police Chaplain. In the heartbreaking aftermath of September 11th, he was recalled to active service by the NYPD to provide critical spiritual counsel and crisis support. Today, he continues his leadership as the Vice-President for Professional Development and External Affairs at the Rabbinical Alliance of America.

Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the evening was Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis, drawing a resounding ovation from the crowd.

The stadium was then filled with beautiful, soaring young voices during the pre-game anthems. Benji Dier delivered a moving rendition of Hatikvah, followed by Eytan Saenger’s stirring performance of God Bless America. Later in the evening, Randy Topper kept traditions alive by leading the stadium in a spirited rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

Leadership Voices

The success of the evening was made possible through a deep, collaborative effort between local community anchors, including the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), the Wagner College Holocaust Center, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, Chabad of Staten Island, and the FerryHawks organization.

Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), stated:

"Tonight was a magnificent showcase of what makes Staten Island so special. At a time when we are seeing a painful rise in antisemitism, standing together in the public square to celebrate our heritage, honor our first responders, and find joy as a community is more important than ever. We may have lost on the scoreboard, but the unity, strength, and pride we felt in the stands was an undeniable victory. We owe a debt of gratitude to our partners, our sponsors, and every member of the community who came out in the heat to stand together."

Dr. Lori Weintrob, Director of the Wagner College Holocaust Center, reflected on the evening's deeper impact:

"Events like Jewish Heritage Night are vital entry points for education, visibility, and solidarity. By celebrating our history and honoring those who protect our city, we counter hatred with community. Seeing the stadium filled with families, music, and pride sends a clear, beautiful message that hate has no home on Staten Island."

Gary Perone, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Staten Island FerryHawks, shared his excitement for the event’s evolution:

"The FerryHawks are incredibly proud to host Jewish Heritage Night every year, but seeing the team suit up as the 'Staten Island Menches' brought the energy to a whole new level. Our ballpark is built to be a gathering place for all of Staten Island. Partnering with Mendy, Lori, Lisa, and our local leaders allows us to use the power of sports to bridge cultures, honor true heroes, and create unforgettable family memories."

Special recognition was also given to Lisa Lubarsky, Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, for her relentless hard work, organization, and dedication in coordinating logistics to ensure the night was a resounding success for the hundreds of members in attendance.

Organizers extend a heartfelt thank you to all the corporate and community sponsors whose generosity brought the night to life, and to the 670 community members who braved the heat to stand, cheer, and celebrate together.

Photo Credit: Debbie Petry Killen

06/15/2026

5th Annual Jewish Heritage Night Goes BIG with Special “Menches” Uniforms, Rising Voices, and Touching 9/11 Tributes

STATEN ISLAND, NY — June 12, 2026 — Pride, community spirit, and baseball took center stage at SIUH Community Park as 670 fans gathered for the highly anticipated 5th Annual Jewish Heritage Night. In a unique twist, the Staten Island FerryHawks took the field completely rebranded for the evening as the Staten Island Menches, donning special custom jerseys to face off against the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars.

Though the Flying Boxcars ultimately secured a 6-1 victory after a hard-fought battle on the diamond, the true triumph of the night was the overwhelming display of cultural unity, joy, and resilience.

Against the backdrop of a beautiful but sweltering summer evening, the event carried a profound significance. Amid a disturbing rise in antisemitism globally and locally, Jewish Heritage Night served as a powerful, public declaration of identity, solidarity, and mutual respect. Attendees of all backgrounds enjoyed a vibrant celebration of culture that featured kosher food, lively cheering, community camaraderie, and a meaningful opportunity for spiritual connection.

A centerpiece of the evening’s cultural outreach was the Mitzvah campaign booth, where Rabbi Moshe Katzman, Director of Chabad of Staten Island, personally oversaw and facilitated the putting on of Tefillin for numerous participants, offering a deeply personal and traditional touch to the public gathering.

Honoring Our Heroes

This year’s celebration carried extra emotional weight as the community paused to recognize public service and dedication tied to the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11th.

The pre-game ceremony recognized exceptional leaders as Harbor Heroes, highlighting individuals who have dedicated their lives to the safety and spiritual care of New Yorkers:

• Chief David Simms, FDNY Staten Island Borough Commander
• Captain Yael Magori, NYPD
• Rabbi Leonard Black, whose distinguished chaplaincy career spans decades. Prior to the historic department merger, Rabbi Black served as a uniformed New York City Housing Police Chaplain. In the heartbreaking aftermath of September 11th, he was recalled to active service by the NYPD to provide critical spiritual counsel and crisis support. Today, he continues his leadership as the Vice-President for Professional Development and External Affairs at the Rabbinical Alliance of America.

Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the evening was Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis, drawing a resounding ovation from the crowd.

The stadium was then filled with beautiful, soaring young voices during the pre-game anthems. Benji Dier delivered a moving rendition of Hatikvah, followed by Eytan Saenger’s stirring performance of God Bless America. Later in the evening, Randy Topper kept traditions alive by leading the stadium in a spirited rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

Leadership Voices

The success of the evening was made possible through a deep, collaborative effort between local community anchors, including the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), the Wagner College Holocaust Center, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, Chabad of Staten Island, and the FerryHawks organization.

Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), stated:

"Tonight was a magnificent showcase of what makes Staten Island so special. At a time when we are seeing a painful rise in antisemitism, standing together in the public square to celebrate our heritage, honor our first responders, and find joy as a community is more important than ever. We may have lost on the scoreboard, but the unity, strength, and pride we felt in the stands was an undeniable victory. We owe a debt of gratitude to our partners, our sponsors, and every member of the community who came out in the heat to stand together."

Dr. Lori Weintrob, Director of the Wagner College Holocaust Center, reflected on the evening's deeper impact:

"Events like Jewish Heritage Night are vital entry points for education, visibility, and solidarity. By celebrating our history and honoring those who protect our city, we counter hatred with community. Seeing the stadium filled with families, music, and pride sends a clear, beautiful message that hate has no home on Staten Island."

Gary Perone, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Staten Island FerryHawks, shared his excitement for the event’s evolution:

"The FerryHawks are incredibly proud to host Jewish Heritage Night every year, but seeing the team suit up as the 'Staten Island Menches' brought the energy to a whole new level. Our ballpark is built to be a gathering place for all of Staten Island. Partnering with Mendy, Lori, Lisa, and our local leaders allows us to use the power of sports to bridge cultures, honor true heroes, and create unforgettable family memories."

Special recognition was also given to Lisa Lubarsky, Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, for her relentless hard work, organization, and dedication in coordinating logistics to ensure the night was a resounding success for the hundreds of members in attendance.

Organizers extend a heartfelt thank you to all the corporate and community sponsors whose generosity brought the night to life, and to the 670 community members who braved the heat to stand, cheer, and celebrate together.

Photo Credit: Debbie Petry Killen

06/14/2026

Dear Rev. Dr. Alfred Correa,

There are very few people in this world who leave an indelible mark on our hearts and fundamentally shape the trajectory of our lives. To me, you are that person. You are not just a mentor and a leader; you are a dear brother and a true friend.

I find myself filled with immense gratitude when I reflect on the path that brought me to the MTA Chaplains Academy. Thank you for training me, for placing your unwavering faith in me, and for granting me the profound opportunity to serve as a Chaplain. Your mentorship has added immeasurable love, connection, and spiritual meaning to my life. Truly, your guidance has helped make me a better person.

You are entirely one of a kind. In a world that often feels fractured, you are exactly what humanity needs more of—a leader driven by pure love and a transformative vision that heals hearts and restores souls. I consider myself profoundly blessed to call you family, and I thank the Divine every day for introducing me to you. I am eager and honored to continue our shared journey for many years and decades to come.

I pray that the Almighty grants you many decades of robust health, strength, fortitude, and boundless happiness. May your life be filled with the same joy and love you so selflessly pour into others, and may you be blessed with the continuous ability to serve and inspire.

With fraternity love and brotherhood,

With deep admiration, love, reverence and respect.

Mendy Mirocznik

06/14/2026

Dear Rev. Dr. Alfred Correa,

There are very few people in this world who leave an indelible mark on our hearts and fundamentally shape the trajectory of our lives. To me, you are that person. You are not just a mentor and a leader; you are a dear brother and a true friend.

I find myself filled with immense gratitude when I reflect on the path that brought me to the MTA Chaplains Academy. Thank you for training me, for placing your unwavering faith in me, and for granting me the profound opportunity to serve as a Chaplain. Your mentorship has added immeasurable love, connection, and spiritual meaning to my life. Truly, your guidance has helped make me a better person.

You are entirely one of a kind. In a world that often feels fractured, you are exactly what humanity needs more of—a leader driven by pure love and a transformative vision that heals hearts and restores souls. I consider myself profoundly blessed to call you family, and I thank the Divine every day for introducing me to you. I am eager and honored to continue our shared journey for many years and decades to come.

I pray that the Almighty grants you many decades of robust health, strength, fortitude, and boundless happiness. May your life be filled with the same joy and love you so selflessly pour into others, and may you be blessed with the continuous ability to serve and inspire.

With fraternity love and brotherhood,

With deep admiration, love, reverence and respect.

Mendy Mirocznik