Queens Shmira, in coordination with the local Jewish community, extended a note of appreciation to the hard-working service members within the Jewish communities of Queens. Coordinator Avraham Pinkhasov and I delivered meals on the eve of the holiday and this past Monday for breakfast and lunch to recognize those who left their families on the holiday to serve our community, providing essential public safety services. We noted this sacrifice when friends and colleagues are surrounded by loved ones.
It is important to note that many local eateries are closed in observance of the holiday, while kosher venues remain operational and provided delicious meals that acknowledged the selfless devotion of those who serve us.
This multi-prong initiative visited the NYPD’s 107th Precinct in Kew Gardens Hills, 102nd Precinct in Kew Gardens, and 112th Precinct in Forest Hills, the FDNY’s Engine 315 & Ladder 125 in Fresh Meadows, Engine 305 & Ladder 151 in Forest Hills, and NYPD Transit Bureau 20 in Briarwood, with several receiving more than one delivery.
The holiday season cheer of the hardworking police officers ready to go out on tour was highlighted when we brought in fresh bagels and saw them eating day-old pizza. The two fire stations, and Transit Bureau drop-offs (an addition this year), were surprises to the firefighters and officers, who were overly grateful for the kind gesture.
The program was funded by contributions from community members, and substantial monies from Queens Jewish Community Council, Beth Gavriel, ES Clinical Research Group, and our publications.
We wish all families celebrating this holiday season safety, security, health, and prosperity, and we thank those who keep us protected year-round. We are pleased to show our support for those servicemembers who go above and beyond.
On our last stops, we were joined by Board Member Meshulam Lisker and Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, Clergy Liaison at the 107, where we spent a few minutes receiving updates with Commanding Officer Capt. Mo Tsang.
By Shabsie Saphirstein,
Community Outreach Coordinator
