County-Wide Police Appreciation Tour in Rockland County
This past week the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Rockland County, and police chaplain David Heskiel, joined together by bringing pastries and sponsoring meals to each of the five police departments located in Rockland County in appreciation for their extraordinary service throughout the pandemic where the full spectrum of Rockland County Law enforcement has stood by and protected the various local communities and deserved to be publicly recognized for their steadfast support. The group was warmly welcomed by each of the departments including Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police Troop F, and the Ramapo, Haverstraw and Clarkstown police departments
Throughout the pandemic the Rockland County Jewish community has experienced an onslaught of anti-Semitism ranging from the spread of tropes on social media accusing local Jews of being responsible for spreading the virus to utilizing Holocaust imagery and references in asking for a call to arms targeting the Jewish community. During these most difficult of times, the delegation of Jewish communal organizations believed it necessary and appropriate to demonstrate to local law enforcement recognition our valued partnership in combating hate and appreciation for the sacrifices made every day in protecting the Rockland County community.
“No words seem adequate enough to express our gratitude and admiration for the brave woman and men who run towards danger to selflessly save others,” said Steve Gold, Co-President of Federation and Foundation of Rockland County.
“Rockland County has not only been an epicenter for the pandemic, but it has been simultaneously a focal point of the age-old virus of anti-Semitism. The Jewish community in Rockland County has had a real need for protection and the law enforcement agencies that we visited all deserve our gratitude for their efforts, their sacrifices, putting themselves in harm’s way for our benefit,” said Michael Cohen, Eastern Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
“It was so gratifying to have the opportunity to show our appreciation to Sheriff Lou Falco’s department and other police departments around the county for their professionalism and for everything they do for all of us day in and day out especially during these challenging times. We got to drop off some baked goods and put smiles on their faces – a great feeling!” said Rivkie Feiner, CEO of Universal Communications Network and a member of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Rockland Community Relations Council.
“My career as a police chaplain has always been uplifting, especially when we are able to assist and enlighten officers from all departments. This was one of those days when we saw the receptive smiles on the faces of our hard working men and woman in blue, in recognition of our community leaders,” said police chaplain David Heskiel.
The pastries were generously donated by Rivkie Feiner of Universal Communications Network in conjunction with Rabbi Yisroel Kahan and Hava Java. The meals were donated by Mr. Heskiel, a member of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Rockland Community Relations Council and by Chickies – www.chickiesfood.com – owner Rafi Trietel.
