Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on November 13, 2020

As a way to mark the second anniversary of the massacre at Pittsburghs Tree of Life Synagogue that left 11 people dead and six others hurt including four law enforcement officers the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) marked the solemn occasion with a Fall Food Giveaway at the Belz Synagogue in Meiers Corners.

The deadliest attack on the Jewish community in United States history, the victims ranged in age from 54 to 97 years old.

The food distribution was held in partnership with Project Hospitality and the Jewish Foundation School.

Mendy Mirocznik, president of COJO stated, Tonights food distribution demonstrates the strength of the diverse communities of Staten Island organizing and working together with a special focus on the positive and on the celebration of life. The lives of the victims of this horrific synagogue massacre were cut short by a depraved cold-blooded murderer and terrorist who cowardly killed innocent individuals who started out their day celebrating life and enjoying religious worship and expression. Tragically, their lives were cut short by a hateful individual which set a national concern and a focus on the frightening alarming rise in anti-Semitism, racism, bigotry and hate.

Volunteers at Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) Fall Food Giveaway at the Belz Synagogue in Meiers Corners. (Courtesy/Mendy Mirocznik)

Mirocznik explained the objective of the event is to do good and help others.

He acknowledged Rev. Terry Troia, president of Project Hospitality and her dedicated volunteers not only for assisting with the food drive and distribution, but rath for her continuous ongoing support, collaboration, partnership, advocacy and joint ventures with COJO and all people of Staten Island with the aim and mission of making Staten Island a better place for all people.

It truly is an honor to call Rev. Troia a caring friend with a warm smile who truly understands and works at bridge building with all the diverse communities who reside in Staten Island, he added.

Mirocznik shouted praises for Iva Reuven and the children from the Jewish Foundation School together with COJO volunteers such as Ari Weiss, chairman of the COJO Security Committee and coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim Safety Patrol, Joyce Cole, David Lazar, Lloyd Lerner, Carol Ann Rebori, Zvi and Sarah Spiler and all others who made the event a success.

What makes me proud is the heart, hands and support of these volunteers, the true unsung heroes who celebrate life by their loyal dedication and zeal in helping others get through this difficult time. It is through this spirit of love and their strong response to the clarion call to help Staten Island, we will overcome these challenges in a resilient strong Staten Island fashion," Mirocznik continued.

Kudos were also offered to Capt. Bruce Ceparano, commanding officer, 121st Precinct, Officer Angeline Marra and Officer Sean Mondello, 121 community affairs officers and the neighborhood coordinating officers for coordinating with Ari Weiss.

Scott Maurer, CEO and executive vice-president remarked, ''Tonights hard work humbles me and makes me feel proud of Staten Island. Thank you, Rev. Terry Troia, Project Hospitality, Iva Reuven, JFS students and all the volunteers who made this celebration of life in memory of Pittsburgh massacre victims a reality and meaningful event to be proud of. Thank you, Assemblyman Cusick, Congressman Max Rose, NYPD for being there for the people of Staten Island. It is this harmony and spirit of cooperation that helps get the job done. I am honored to be part of this great coming together of good which truly is memorial to the victims of the Pittsburgh massacre. May their memories be a blessing."

See more here:

Massacre at Pittsburghs Tree of Life Synagogue remembered with do-good Fall Food Giveaway - SILive.com

Category: Synagogue
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