A Show of Support and Appreciation at Final COJO-SI Security Briefing of 2020

On December 31, 2020, at Pct. 121, the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations sponsored lunch and conducted its final security briefing for 2020. Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO, and Ari Weiss, Security Chairman of COJO, and Coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim reviewed in great details with the NYPD the current state of security and new issues and concerns as we are entering the advent of the vaccines which will hopefully help us transition from the pandemic to a return of to normal life.

“This past year is unprecedented due to the pandemic, and the security challenges we faced were astronomical. However, thanks to our partnership with such wonderful community organizations such as COJO, the NYPD was able to effectively address those concerns and to avert many potential security issues. This is due to the NYPD’s effective communication and grasp of the issues that Staten Islander’s face. What is unique about COJO is its willingness to bridge the gap in dialogue with the various diverse communities who reside in the borough and to focus not only on making Staten Island safe, but to work on matters of mutual concern that enhances the quality of life of the residents of Staten Island” stated Captain Bruce Ceparano, Commanding Officer of Pct. 121, who continued, “we look forward to a cured world in 2021 and we look forward in resuming our collaborative projects and operations with organizations such as COJO which will be crucial as we transition back to a normal life. This will be the challenge we will soon be facing. However, I am confident and know that leaders such Mendy Mirocznik, Scott Maurer and Ari Weiss will be there helping to make this transition smooth and easy.”

Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO thanked Captain Ceparano for hosting the final security meeting for 2020. Mirocznik thanked Scott Maurer, the CEO and Executive Vice-President of COJO for sponsoring the festive lunch and Ari Weiss, Security Chairman of COJO, and Coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim for working closely with the NYPD and Captain Ceparano in particular over the last few hard months. “As dark as it appeared, with the Help of the Al-mighty only we are prevailing. We have to take a moment of silence to reflect on the passing of so many good people during those difficult days. We must especially remember the fallen police officers who were victims of this invisible killer of corona that has turned this world upside down. At the same token, we must be appreciative of the NYPD who took no vacation from their duty in protecting Staten Island during this difficult time. Whether it was guarding our Synagogues, Houses of Worship and schools or dealing with the riots and the cold police aftereffect, the NYPD was true to its service of keeping the City safe. To this end, I must express COJO’s deep gratitude and appreciation. I am confident that as the vaccine is being rolled out and restrictions will ease the NYPD is ready and more then able to meet the security issues as they arise. We must remember there was no police training or manual that was able to help prepare and advise the NYPD in how to tackle the pandemic. The skill the NYPD demonstrated came from having loving hearts, wise heads and strong hands. These very skills of common