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As the Rosh Hashanah holiday season approaches a high level NYPD meeting took place that was hosted by the NY Board of Rabbis and organized by Law Enforcement Liaison Rabbi Abe Friedman. A substantive conversation with NYPD Chief of Department James P. O’Neill and NYPD Community Affairs Chief Joanne Jaffe, that was moderated by Rabbi Joseph Potasnik focused on the ongoing concern for the threat of terrorism which has serious ramifications for the Jewish community especially during the High Holy Days. Chief O’Neill and Chief Jaffe advised the community to work closely with their local precincts to coordinate security efforts.

“The meeting was particularly important because it brought together representatives of the spectrum of the entire Jewish community. Given the challenges we confront today it is vital that everyone sit together as one people to discuss the dangers that threaten our City” said Rabbi Potasnik,.

” I’d like to express my profound gratitude for the close cooperation our community enjoys with NYPD in addressing our various concerns. We are all grateful to Mayor deBlasio and Police Commissioner Bratton for their commitment to the safety of our community as we were heartened to hear of the sustained decrease in crime in spite of increases in a few limited areas” said Rabbi Abe Friedman.

A sentiment echoed throughout the meeting was how fortunate the community is to have an extraordinary close working relationship with leadership at the NYPD that sees their work as a sacred calling in protecting the lives of all people. As many attendees noted we should express our appreciation as often as possible in saying thank you to all who serve so selflessly on a daily basis.

During this time of introspection on the Jewish calendar and approaching 9/11, all of us must recognize that we are blessed to have such courageous people who regard all of us as members of one human family.

Photo & Video Credit: Shmuel Lenchevsky

(Press Release – NY Board Of Rabbis /YWN World Headquarters – NYC)