Police to Provide Extra Protection for Jews through Yom Tov

By Yehudit Garmaise

“Jewish communities all over New York will see an increased presence of professional police officers during the upcoming High Holidays,” NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea assured 100 Jewish community leaders in an annual meeting that has preceded the High Holidays for the last 43 years. The annual meeting, which usually meets in the auditorium at One Police Plaza, the headquarters of the New York City Police Department in Manhattan, today, took place on Zoom, due to Covid-19.

 “Although New York City was in many ways a different city back in 1977, when we first started meeting with Jewish community leaders before the High Holidays,” explained Shea, “what hasn’t changed at all is our commitment to your safety and our resolve that you can observe the holidays openly and safely.

 Shea asked the many rabbis and other community leaders on the Zoom call to make it a point to spread the word to keep the NYPD posted as to all the times their congregations and communities will be gathering in public.

“Please ask everyone you know to remember to please speak with your local precinct commanders, community affairs staff, and local  Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCOs) to keep us up-to-date on the times of your services and special events,” explained Shea, who, according to the NYPD website, was instrumental in developing the NYPD's precision policing methods that led to the arrests of the small percentage of offenders who were responsible for a large percentage of the city’s crime and violence.

Boro Park’s police precinct is 66, and is located at 5822 16th Ave. The precinct’s phone number is (718) 851-5611, and the number for Community Affairs is (718) 851-5601.

  “Of course, not everyone in your communities is on this Zoom conference, and we need to know the times of large events for every Jewish house of worship so we can be there,” explained Shea, who ended his speech by wishing everyone a Shana Tova.

The NYPD understands that the Jewish community needs extra protection and attention this time of year, echoed Jeffrey Maddrey, the commanding officer of community affairs, which is a new position on the city’s police force: one in which Maddrey has been serving since June.

 In addition to ensuring the safety of Yidden during Yom Tov, Maddrey plans to conduct town halls meeting each borough to help root out and stop the increased gun violence that the city has, unfortunately, seen of late.

“We want to put down this gun violence, and we want to restore the community’s faith in trust in the police force,” reiterated Mark Molinari, the Commanding officer of the NYPDs Hate Crime Task Force, who also thanked the Jewish community for its friendship and support to the NYPD over the years. “Our continued relationship should be a strong one that resolves problems, creates safe spaces for everyone from our children to our seniors. We want to bring calm to the city.”

“We want you to know that we are listening to the concerns of your community,” said Maddrey, the longtime commander of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North. “Anything you know about any potential risks and dangers: we want to know. We don’t want to miss anything. Please be in touch with your precinct commanders.”

  Maddrey also thanked the many Jewish leaders who provide spiritual guidance and inspiration to their communities.

 “We will remain strong and steadfast, and we want to remain partners with you during these difficult times,” Maddrey emphasized.

Molinari, who works with the FBI, the Department of Justice, precinct officers, detective squads, and clergy leaders to ensure that hate crimes of any kind are not tolerated in New York City, emphasized how important it is that the Jewish community keeps opening the channels of communication with the NYPD.

 “Whenever you communicate with us, you strengthen our resolve to combat any forms of bias, prejudice, or hate, said Molinari, who wants Yidden to enjoy our holiday season. “But as always, we need your help.”

 Molinari continued by saying that he applauds anyone who comes forth to report any knowledge of past or potentially future, G-d forbid, hate crime, but Molinari added that reporting hate is only the first step toward a “thorough and extensive march toward justice,” he said.

Extensive work needs to be done to root out hate and make the city as safe as it can be,” Molinari emphasized.

  “We will never tolerate hate in the form in our city, and we will continue to build and strengthen our partnerships with the Jewish community,” Moliari said. “You can worship safely, and you’ll see an increased police presence in your communities. Please know that we will be here to support you.”