Staten Island COJO Unites the Borough with Pre-Shavuous Food Distribution

On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) held its annual Pre- Shavuous food giveaway. In the spirit of Shavous scrumptious dairy products as well as chicken, challah, grape juice, produce and other holiday foods was the order of the day.

Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO thanked Terry Troia, the highly respected and venerable President of Project Hospitality for partnering and collaborating with COJO and helping to unite the various communities who reside in the Borough in this important undertaking.

“It is heartwarming to see Terry Troia interface with Scott Maurer, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice-President of COJO, Iva Reuven, the Chair of COJO’s Service Committee and her hard-working team of community minded activists and volunteers working together in harmony, love and mutual respect. Their only objective is how to brighten up the lives of their neighbor, friend and fellow Staten Islander with the traditional festive holiday foods necessary to enjoy Shavuous. This cohesion and unity truly personify the spirit of Shavuous where according to Jewish tradition the nation of Israel, Klal Yisroel came together as one in heart, body and spirit to receive the Torah at Sinai. We pray that the Almighty bless this unity and may it improve the lot of all people that food insecurity should be eradicated and become non-existent. At the end of the night, well over 800 Staten Island families were serviced.

In making this distribution feasible we must thank Met Council, David Greenfield, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Aaron Cyperstein, Director, Jewish Community Relations and Government Affairs, Jessica Chait Managing Director of Food Programs and Benjamin Zaintez, Agency Relations Manager for their love, dedication, support and commitment in making this Pre-Shavuous Food Distribution a reality. We must also thank Assemblyman Michael Cusick’s strong advocacy and his friendship with COJO and Met Council that made this distribution the success that it was.

We further thank the NYPD for their partnership. Deputy Inspector Richard Taylor, Community Affairs Bureau and Captain Timothy Wilson, Commanding Officer, Pct. 122, and the Community Affairs Officer and Neighborhood Coordinating Officer were on site who together with Ari Weiss, Chairman of the COJO Security Committee and Coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim were on hand helping both with traffic control and with the food distribution. What was heartwarming was to watch Assemblyman Cusick. Not only is he an advocate for the people of Staten Island, he also took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and got deep down to the job and pitched in and joined the team and helped distribute the food. This is leadership by example with a heart and soul. This is what makes Staten Island special it truly shows the dedication  and high quality of how and what Staten Island truly is.

As we  begin to the transition back to normal and as we leave the dark times of COVID sadly food insecurity is still a reality. COJO has been grappling with clients who relied on our support prior to COVID and we have been assisting additional families who have been severely impacted by the Pandemic who but for Covid would never have foreseen nor imagined the support they would need. COJO will continue its mission of combatting the frustration and the reality faced by many fellow Staten Islanders and we will continue to be there as best as we can for all. We thank our partners, Project Hospitality, Met Council, Assemblyman Cusick, Staten Island Shomrim and our dedicated volunteers the backbone of Team COJO for enabling us to get the job done.”

Assemblyman Michael Cusick remarked, “COJO has been for decades on the forefront of assisting Staten Islanders in any way they can. From advocacy, grassroot organizing of food distributions, to tackling poverty issues and giving hope and inspiration COJO is there all the time for the people of Staten Island. I am proud how COJO interfaces with Project Hospitality a true treasure of Staten Island. This unique friendship, partnership and collaboration brings unity and a stronger more powerful voice for Staten Island. I congratulate Terry Troia, Mendy Mirocznik, Scott Maurer and Ari Weiss the leadership team on this effort for making this coalition the reality that it is. This truly brought out the best of Staten Island. Thank you for your service to Staten Island. I am committed in my continued support of your wonderful endeavors.”