Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island - COJO

09/18/2026

NYPD 120TH PRECINCT AND COMMUNITY COUNCIL HOST BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY, EQUIPPING NORTH SHORE YOUTH FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Inspector Eric Waldhelm, Council President Josephine Marino, and Amazon Philanthropist Joe Rayski Partner with Civic Leaders to Deliver Hundreds of Backpacks and School Supplies to Local Families

STATEN ISLAND, NY — To ensure local students start the academic year prepared, confident, and inspired, the NYPD 120th Precinct partnered with the 120th Precinct Community Council, community leaders, and local advocates to host their annual Back-to-School Distribution, providing brand-new knapsacks filled with essential school supplies to hundreds of North Shore children and their families.

The high-energy event brought together police officers, civic figures, neighborhood volunteers, and families in a celebration of community unity and youth empowerment. Children left equipped with durable backpacks loaded with notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, and classroom essentials designed to ease the financial burden on working families as the new school year begins.

Special recognition was extended to Inspector Eric J. Waldhelm, Commanding Officer of the 120th Precinct, whose visionary and steadfast leadership continues to strengthen community-police relations across Staten Island’s North Shore. Under his direction, the precinct regularly prioritizes proactive community engagement, demonstrating that public safety and youth mentorship walk hand in hand.

Organizing the successful effort was Josephine Marino, President of the 120th Precinct Community Council, whose tireless dedication, boundless energy, and deep passion for North Shore residents shone through every detail of the event.

"Events like this reflect the very best of Staten Island and showcase the immense power of compassionate, collaborative leadership," said Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) of Staten Island. "We cannot say enough about Inspector Eric Waldhelm. He is not only an outstanding commanding officer and exceptional law enforcement leader, but a true pillar of our borough who understands that policing begins with genuine respect, open dialogue, and uplifting our neighborhoods from the ground up. Alongside him, Josephine Marino is an absolute tour de force—her relentless dedication, warm heart, and unwavering advocacy through the Community Council ensure that our families are never left behind. And when you look at Joe Rayski of Amazon, you see the epitome of corporate responsibility fused with pure, unconditional goodness. Joe has a legendary heart of gold; year after year, he steps forward without hesitation, putting words into direct action and showing everyone what true community investment looks like. When extraordinary leaders like Inspector Waldhelm, Josephine Marino, and Joe Rayski join forces, our children see firsthand that their entire community believes in them and stands proudly behind their future."

A central highlight of the day was the special tribute and heartfelt gratitude paid to renowned philanthropist Joe Rayski of Amazon, whose continued generosity once again made a profound difference for Staten Island families. Recognized as an indispensable partner in civic and charitable causes borough-wide, Rayski consistently leads by example, demonstrating what genuine, hands-on corporate citizenship and neighborhood engagement look like in practice. Through his support, countless students headed into the school year with dignity, excitement, and pride.

"True community engagement is about showing up with passion and lifting each other up where it matters most, and today was a masterclass in compassion," said Annesa Ali, Chief of Staff of COJO Staten Island and Founder and President of Making A Change With Kindness (MACK). "Inspector Waldhelm and the entire 120th Precinct family lead with profound empathy and integrity, creating an environment where our youth look at our officers as trusted mentors, friends, and protectors. Josephine Marino works with an infectious spirit and a servant’s heart, giving her all day in and day out so that our young people have every opportunity to shine. As for Joe Rayski, his selfless philanthropy and incredible kindness continually inspire all of us. Joe doesn't just support Staten Island; he champions our families with tremendous devotion and sincerity. Seeing the beaming smiles on the faces of these children and the profound relief felt by their parents as they received their backpacks and supplies was deeply moving. We shower Inspector Waldhelm, Josephine Marino, and Joe Rayski with our deepest admiration, highest respect, and endless gratitude for leading the way and making our borough a brighter, stronger, and more caring home for all."

The 120th Precinct and the Community Council expressed their deepest appreciation to all the officers, auxiliary members, volunteers, and local advocates whose hard work transformed the day into an inspiring success, setting a positive, uplifting tone for the academic year ahead.

Photo Credit: Annesa Ali

09/18/2026

NYPD 120TH PRECINCT AND COMMUNITY COUNCIL HOST BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY, EQUIPPING NORTH SHORE YOUTH FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Inspector Eric Waldhelm, Council President Josephine Marino, and Amazon Philanthropist Joe Rayski Partner with Civic Leaders to Deliver Hundreds of Backpacks and School Supplies to Local Families

STATEN ISLAND, NY — To ensure local students start the academic year prepared, confident, and inspired, the NYPD 120th Precinct partnered with the 120th Precinct Community Council, community leaders, and local advocates to host their annual Back-to-School Distribution, providing brand-new knapsacks filled with essential school supplies to hundreds of North Shore children and their families.

The high-energy event brought together police officers, civic figures, neighborhood volunteers, and families in a celebration of community unity and youth empowerment. Children left equipped with durable backpacks loaded with notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, and classroom essentials designed to ease the financial burden on working families as the new school year begins.

Special recognition was extended to Inspector Eric J. Waldhelm, Commanding Officer of the 120th Precinct, whose visionary and steadfast leadership continues to strengthen community-police relations across Staten Island’s North Shore. Under his direction, the precinct regularly prioritizes proactive community engagement, demonstrating that public safety and youth mentorship walk hand in hand.

Organizing the successful effort was Josephine Marino, President of the 120th Precinct Community Council, whose tireless dedication, boundless energy, and deep passion for North Shore residents shone through every detail of the event.

"Events like this reflect the very best of Staten Island and showcase the immense power of compassionate, collaborative leadership," said Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) of Staten Island. "We cannot say enough about Inspector Eric Waldhelm. He is not only an outstanding commanding officer and exceptional law enforcement leader, but a true pillar of our borough who understands that policing begins with genuine respect, open dialogue, and uplifting our neighborhoods from the ground up. Alongside him, Josephine Marino is an absolute tour de force—her relentless dedication, warm heart, and unwavering advocacy through the Community Council ensure that our families are never left behind. And when you look at Joe Rayski of Amazon, you see the epitome of corporate responsibility fused with pure, unconditional goodness. Joe has a legendary heart of gold; year after year, he steps forward without hesitation, putting words into direct action and showing everyone what true community investment looks like. When extraordinary leaders like Inspector Waldhelm, Josephine Marino, and Joe Rayski join forces, our children see firsthand that their entire community believes in them and stands proudly behind their future."

A central highlight of the day was the special tribute and heartfelt gratitude paid to renowned philanthropist Joe Rayski of Amazon, whose continued generosity once again made a profound difference for Staten Island families. Recognized as an indispensable partner in civic and charitable causes borough-wide, Rayski consistently leads by example, demonstrating what genuine, hands-on corporate citizenship and neighborhood engagement look like in practice. Through his support, countless students headed into the school year with dignity, excitement, and pride.

"True community engagement is about showing up with passion and lifting each other up where it matters most, and today was a masterclass in compassion," said Annesa Ali, Chief of Staff of COJO Staten Island and Founder and President of Making A Change With Kindness (MACK). "Inspector Waldhelm and the entire 120th Precinct family lead with profound empathy and integrity, creating an environment where our youth look at our officers as trusted mentors, friends, and protectors. Josephine Marino works with an infectious spirit and a servant’s heart, giving her all day in and day out so that our young people have every opportunity to shine. As for Joe Rayski, his selfless philanthropy and incredible kindness continually inspire all of us. Joe doesn't just support Staten Island; he champions our families with tremendous devotion and sincerity. Seeing the beaming smiles on the faces of these children and the profound relief felt by their parents as they received their backpacks and supplies was deeply moving. We shower Inspector Waldhelm, Josephine Marino, and Joe Rayski with our deepest admiration, highest respect, and endless gratitude for leading the way and making our borough a brighter, stronger, and more caring home for all."

The 120th Precinct and the Community Council expressed their deepest appreciation to all the officers, auxiliary members, volunteers, and local advocates whose hard work transformed the day into an inspiring success, setting a positive, uplifting tone for the academic year ahead.

Photo Credit: Annesa Ali

09/17/2026

MTA, METRO-NORTH, AND REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS COMMEMORATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11 AT GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

Solemn Biltmore Room Ceremony Features Bagpipe Tributes, Dedication of WTC-Steel Bronze Plaque, and Debut of Metro-North’s 10th Heritage Fleet Locomotive

NEW YORK, NY — Leadership from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Metro-North Railroad, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), labor representatives, and regional emergency services gathered on September 11 in the historic Biltmore Room at Grand Central Terminal to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

The ceremony honored the victims of the attacks, recognized emergency personnel who answered the call of duty, and marked Grand Central’s critical historical role as an evacuation lifeline that carried tens of thousands of people out of Manhattan to safety.

The program opened with a stirring musical tribute by bagpipers from the Westchester County Firefighters Emerald Society, who filled the terminal with heartwarming patriotic selections, provided musical accompaniment for the National Anthem, and concluded their performance with a moving rendition of God Bless America. Following the musical honors, MTA Chaplain Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik delivered a solemn invocation, leading into moments of silence observed jointly by uniformed personnel from the MTA Police Department, the FDNY, and the Metro-North Fire Brigade.

“As we gather in this sacred space of transit and community, we lift our prayers for the precious souls taken from us twenty-five years ago and for the heroes who ran toward peril to save total strangers,” said MTA Chaplain Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik. “May this memorial serve not only as an eternal sanctuary of memory, but as an enduring blessing of unity, comfort to grieving families, and strength to the dedicated men and women who continue to safeguard our public every single day.”

“Today, we remember the 2,977 lives stolen from us, the courage of the first responders who rushed into danger, and all whose lives were forever changed,” said Justin Vonashek, President of Metro-North Railroad. “Grand Central Terminal served as a beacon of hope and an essential lifeline 25 years ago. By dedicating this permanent memorial and introducing our commemorative locomotive, we ensure that the sacrifices made on September 11, and the extraordinary dedication of our transit workforce, are never forgotten.”

“Twenty-five years later, the unbreakable bond between our first responders and transit personnel remains as vital as ever,” said Andrew Seicol, Metro-North Fire Chief. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with the FDNY and the MTA Police Department in this historic room reflects our shared promise to always honor the fallen and protect the public we serve.”

“This plaque—forged with steel from the World Trade Center—is a physical testament to the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of our brothers and sisters,” said James Tipa, President of Metro-North Firefighters IAFF Local 5325. “It stands here permanently so that every commuter, visitor, and first responder passing through Grand Central remembers the price paid on that day and the courage that followed.”

“The labor movement and our first responders represent the backbone of this city and our nation,” said Frank Líma, General Secretary-Treasurer of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). “Unveiling this sacred tribute alongside Local 5325 and the MTA honors the profound bravery of the frontline workers who answered the call in our darkest hour.”

“Our employees demonstrated remarkable resilience and selfless dedication when our city needed them most,” said Metro-North Vice President Diaz. “This commemoration reflects not only on that historic response 25 years ago, but also on the ongoing commitment of our workforce to safely move the region forward every single day.”

Ceremony Highlights & Inaugural Run
Permanent Bronze Memorial Plaque: Formally unveiled by President Tipa and IAFF GST Líma alongside rail leadership, the bronze plaque is embedded with authentic steel recovered from the World Trade Center and is permanently installed in Grand Central Terminal as an enduring tribute.

10th Heritage Fleet Locomotive: Metro-North officially debuted its 10th heritage locomotive, specially wrapped in a dedicated 9/11 memorial livery. The locomotive entered revenue service for its inaugural run, departing Grand Central Terminal promptly at 5:06 p.m. pulling a passenger train bound for the Yankees–East 153rd Street station in the Bronx.

A quarter-century after one of the darkest days in American history, Grand Central Terminal stands not only as an architectural landmark, but as a living monument to human endurance and collective resolve. As the newly dedicated heritage locomotive journeys across the region and the bronze plaque greets generations of travelers to come, they carry forward a permanent message: that out of unimaginable tragedy arose an unbreakable bond of service, unity, and hope that will forever guide the transit workforce, first responders, and the millions of New Yorkers they protect.

Photo Credit: Ariel Mirocznik

09/17/2026

MTA, METRO-NORTH, AND REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS COMMEMORATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11 AT GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

Solemn Biltmore Room Ceremony Features Bagpipe Tributes, Dedication of WTC-Steel Bronze Plaque, and Debut of Metro-North’s 10th Heritage Fleet Locomotive

NEW YORK, NY — Leadership from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Metro-North Railroad, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), labor representatives, and regional emergency services gathered on September 11 in the historic Biltmore Room at Grand Central Terminal to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

The ceremony honored the victims of the attacks, recognized emergency personnel who answered the call of duty, and marked Grand Central’s critical historical role as an evacuation lifeline that carried tens of thousands of people out of Manhattan to safety.

The program opened with a stirring musical tribute by bagpipers from the Westchester County Firefighters Emerald Society, who filled the terminal with heartwarming patriotic selections, provided musical accompaniment for the National Anthem, and concluded their performance with a moving rendition of God Bless America. Following the musical honors, MTA Chaplain Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik delivered a solemn invocation, leading into moments of silence observed jointly by uniformed personnel from the MTA Police Department, the FDNY, and the Metro-North Fire Brigade.

“As we gather in this sacred space of transit and community, we lift our prayers for the precious souls taken from us twenty-five years ago and for the heroes who ran toward peril to save total strangers,” said MTA Chaplain Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik. “May this memorial serve not only as an eternal sanctuary of memory, but as an enduring blessing of unity, comfort to grieving families, and strength to the dedicated men and women who continue to safeguard our public every single day.”

“Today, we remember the 2,977 lives stolen from us, the courage of the first responders who rushed into danger, and all whose lives were forever changed,” said Justin Vonashek, President of Metro-North Railroad. “Grand Central Terminal served as a beacon of hope and an essential lifeline 25 years ago. By dedicating this permanent memorial and introducing our commemorative locomotive, we ensure that the sacrifices made on September 11, and the extraordinary dedication of our transit workforce, are never forgotten.”

“Twenty-five years later, the unbreakable bond between our first responders and transit personnel remains as vital as ever,” said Andrew Seicol, Metro-North Fire Chief. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with the FDNY and the MTA Police Department in this historic room reflects our shared promise to always honor the fallen and protect the public we serve.”

“This plaque—forged with steel from the World Trade Center—is a physical testament to the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of our brothers and sisters,” said James Tipa, President of Metro-North Firefighters IAFF Local 5325. “It stands here permanently so that every commuter, visitor, and first responder passing through Grand Central remembers the price paid on that day and the courage that followed.”

“The labor movement and our first responders represent the backbone of this city and our nation,” said Frank Líma, General Secretary-Treasurer of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). “Unveiling this sacred tribute alongside Local 5325 and the MTA honors the profound bravery of the frontline workers who answered the call in our darkest hour.”

“Our employees demonstrated remarkable resilience and selfless dedication when our city needed them most,” said Metro-North Vice President Diaz. “This commemoration reflects not only on that historic response 25 years ago, but also on the ongoing commitment of our workforce to safely move the region forward every single day.”

Ceremony Highlights & Inaugural Run
Permanent Bronze Memorial Plaque: Formally unveiled by President Tipa and IAFF GST Líma alongside rail leadership, the bronze plaque is embedded with authentic steel recovered from the World Trade Center and is permanently installed in Grand Central Terminal as an enduring tribute.

10th Heritage Fleet Locomotive: Metro-North officially debuted its 10th heritage locomotive, specially wrapped in a dedicated 9/11 memorial livery. The locomotive entered revenue service for its inaugural run, departing Grand Central Terminal promptly at 5:06 p.m. pulling a passenger train bound for the Yankees–East 153rd Street station in the Bronx.

A quarter-century after one of the darkest days in American history, Grand Central Terminal stands not only as an architectural landmark, but as a living monument to human endurance and collective resolve. As the newly dedicated heritage locomotive journeys across the region and the bronze plaque greets generations of travelers to come, they carry forward a permanent message: that out of unimaginable tragedy arose an unbreakable bond of service, unity, and hope that will forever guide the transit workforce, first responders, and the millions of New Yorkers they protect.

Photo Credit: Ariel Mirocznik

09/17/2026

09/16/2026

NYPD HOSTS ANNUAL HIGH HOLIDAY SECURITY BRIEFING AT ONE POLICE PLAZA, STRENGTHENING COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING JEWISH COMMUNITIES

NEW YORK, NY — The New York City Police Department convened its annual High Holiday Security Briefing at NYPD Headquarters at One Police Plaza, detailing comprehensive multi-layered security protocols, enhanced patrols, and cross-agency coordination ahead of the Jewish High Holy Days.

The briefing brought together department executive leadership, diplomatic representatives, community liaisons, and rabbinical leadership to coordinate security coverage across all five boroughs throughout Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.

The ceremony opened with the Presentation of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Captain Jack Conway, Commanding Officer of the NYPD Ceremonial Unit, followed by a moving performance by international Jewish music recording artist Yoni Z.

Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch opened the briefing by emphasizing zero tolerance for bias-motivated crime and outlining aggressive resource deployment.

"The High Holidays are a time of sacred gathering, prayer, and deep reflection," said Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. "Every New Yorker has the fundamental right to celebrate and worship free from fear. The NYPD is deploying all available resources—from visible foot posts and heavy weapons teams to advanced counterterrorism assets—ensuring our shuls, yeshivas, and community centers across every neighborhood are protected and secure."

Key Briefing Highlights and Remarks:

• Intelligence Assessment: Kelli Foy delivered an operational intelligence review, detailing global and domestic security dynamics and confirming that while no specific, credible threat targets New York City, elevated protective postures will remain active.

• Hate Crimes Enforcement: Captain Bekim Becaj, Commanding Officer of the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force, affirmed that the department will relentlessly pursue perpetrators of bias crimes, highlighting close collaboration with neighborhood patrols, community patrols, and rapid-response investigators to deter and answer hate-motivated acts.

• Fraternal and Community Liaison: Josh Zucker, President of the NYPD Shomrim Society, spoke to the deep fraternal and professional bridge between Jewish law enforcement personnel and the broader community, emphasizing the collective commitment of officers standing guard to protect their fellow New Yorkers.

• Diplomatic Solidarity: Hon. Eyal David, Deputy Consul General of Israel in New York, addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation for the department’s unwavering vigilance, proactive posture, and shared mission to guarantee safety and security during a critical period on the Jewish calendar.

• NYPD Chaplains Unit: Rabbi Gabriel (Manes) Kogan reflected on the spiritual resilience of the community and the vital role of NYPD chaplains in providing continuous support, guidance, and partnership between clergy and the ranks.

"The bond between the Jewish community and the NYPD is not just an alliance of procedure; it is a sacred partnership built on trust, respect, and mutual resolve," stated Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice-President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America (Igud HaRabbonim). "At a time when antisemitism and hostility demand vigilance, our communities take tremendous solace in knowing that the finest police department in the world stands resolute with us. We enter these solemn Days of Awe with strength, gratitude, and confidence that our congregants can worship openly and proudly."

Citywide deployments will include an increased high-visibility uniformed presence, Critical Response Command (CRC), Strategic Response Group (SRG), and specialized canine units at transit hubs, religious institutions, and commercial corridors.

United in Vigilance and Celebration

As Jewish New Yorkers prepare to observe the sacred Days of Awe, the NYPD reaffirms its steadfast dedication to safeguarding every house of worship, yeshiva, and communal gathering space across all five boroughs. Security operations will maintain an agile, elevated posture throughout the holiday season, backed by round-the-clock intelligence monitoring, specialized aviation units, and rapid-response teams working seamlessly alongside community leaders.

No community should ever have to balance devotion with fear. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our community partners, the NYPD ensures the High Holy Days remain a season of profound peace, enduring tradition, and unyielding unity.

New Yorkers are reminded that public safety is a shared responsibility: remain vigilant, look out for one another, and immediately report any suspicious activity to an on-duty officer, by calling 911, or via the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau hotline at 1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233).

Photo Credit: Annesa Ali

09/16/2026

NYPD HOSTS ANNUAL HIGH HOLIDAY SECURITY BRIEFING AT ONE POLICE PLAZA, STRENGTHENING COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING JEWISH COMMUNITIES

NEW YORK, NY — The New York City Police Department convened its annual High Holiday Security Briefing at NYPD Headquarters at One Police Plaza, detailing comprehensive multi-layered security protocols, enhanced patrols, and cross-agency coordination ahead of the Jewish High Holy Days.

The briefing brought together department executive leadership, diplomatic representatives, community liaisons, and rabbinical leadership to coordinate security coverage across all five boroughs throughout Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.

The ceremony opened with the Presentation of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Captain Jack Conway, Commanding Officer of the NYPD Ceremonial Unit, followed by a moving performance by international Jewish music recording artist Yoni Z.

Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch opened the briefing by emphasizing zero tolerance for bias-motivated crime and outlining aggressive resource deployment.

"The High Holidays are a time of sacred gathering, prayer, and deep reflection," said Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. "Every New Yorker has the fundamental right to celebrate and worship free from fear. The NYPD is deploying all available resources—from visible foot posts and heavy weapons teams to advanced counterterrorism assets—ensuring our shuls, yeshivas, and community centers across every neighborhood are protected and secure."

Key Briefing Highlights and Remarks:

• Intelligence Assessment: Kelli Foy delivered an operational intelligence review, detailing global and domestic security dynamics and confirming that while no specific, credible threat targets New York City, elevated protective postures will remain active.

• Hate Crimes Enforcement: Captain Bekim Becaj, Commanding Officer of the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force, affirmed that the department will relentlessly pursue perpetrators of bias crimes, highlighting close collaboration with neighborhood patrols, community patrols, and rapid-response investigators to deter and answer hate-motivated acts.

• Fraternal and Community Liaison: Josh Zucker, President of the NYPD Shomrim Society, spoke to the deep fraternal and professional bridge between Jewish law enforcement personnel and the broader community, emphasizing the collective commitment of officers standing guard to protect their fellow New Yorkers.

• Diplomatic Solidarity: Hon. Eyal David, Deputy Consul General of Israel in New York, addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation for the department’s unwavering vigilance, proactive posture, and shared mission to guarantee safety and security during a critical period on the Jewish calendar.

• NYPD Chaplains Unit: Rabbi Gabriel (Manes) Kogan reflected on the spiritual resilience of the community and the vital role of NYPD chaplains in providing continuous support, guidance, and partnership between clergy and the ranks.

"The bond between the Jewish community and the NYPD is not just an alliance of procedure; it is a sacred partnership built on trust, respect, and mutual resolve," stated Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice-President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America (Igud HaRabbonim). "At a time when antisemitism and hostility demand vigilance, our communities take tremendous solace in knowing that the finest police department in the world stands resolute with us. We enter these solemn Days of Awe with strength, gratitude, and confidence that our congregants can worship openly and proudly."

Citywide deployments will include an increased high-visibility uniformed presence, Critical Response Command (CRC), Strategic Response Group (SRG), and specialized canine units at transit hubs, religious institutions, and commercial corridors.

United in Vigilance and Celebration

As Jewish New Yorkers prepare to observe the sacred Days of Awe, the NYPD reaffirms its steadfast dedication to safeguarding every house of worship, yeshiva, and communal gathering space across all five boroughs. Security operations will maintain an agile, elevated posture throughout the holiday season, backed by round-the-clock intelligence monitoring, specialized aviation units, and rapid-response teams working seamlessly alongside community leaders.

No community should ever have to balance devotion with fear. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our community partners, the NYPD ensures the High Holy Days remain a season of profound peace, enduring tradition, and unyielding unity.

New Yorkers are reminded that public safety is a shared responsibility: remain vigilant, look out for one another, and immediately report any suspicious activity to an on-duty officer, by calling 911, or via the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau hotline at 1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233).

Photo Credit: Annesa Ali