Message from National Shomrim President, Ben Gelber
I’m two months into the presidency of National Shomrim and I’ve already hit the ground running. Earlier this week I attended a memorial service for original NYPD Shomrim member Patrolman Julius Mirell, EOW 3/9/1948, at the 34th Precinct in NYC. Patrolman Mirell was shot and killed with his own service revolver while attempting to arrest a burglary suspect. Also wounded, Patrolman Mirel’s partner, Patrolman Jacob Zuckerman, was able to fire shots and wound the suspect, who fled but was eventually caught and sentenced to 35 years in prison. Patrolman Mirell was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department Medal of Honor for his actions. A member of the greatest generation, he served in the US Navy. He was survived by his wife and two children. Patrolman Mirell is buried in Shomrim Field in Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, NY and is memorialized on the obelisks in Shomrim Field in both Old Montefiore and New Montefiore cemeteries. It was an honor to remember Patrolman Julius Mirell’s service to our country, our city and the sacrifice he made to keep our city safe. He is a reminder to all of us that we should do the best we can while keeping our personal safety at the forefront of our responsibilities. Patrolman Mirell was honored by the command of the 34th Precinct, NYPD Shomrim Chief Chaplain Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass, NYPD Shomrim Board Member PO Josh Zucker, members Marilyn Mundell and Trustee Adam Diamond, as well as retired member Harold Schiffer. Patrolman Mirell’s son Bob was at the memorial, as was Patrolman Zuckerman’s sons Michael and Daniel, with their granddaughter and grandson. Both families were moved and grateful for the outpouring of support and remembrance of their brave ancestors.
As you’ve probably heard, a 26 year old Newark, NJ police officer was murdered in cold blood by a 14 year old thug with an illegal handgun. Due to his age, his murderer be tried as a juvenile and won’t face more than 20 years in prison. He will be tried in family court and once he’s released, probably before serving his complete sentence, his record will be sealed and he won’t have a public criminal record. I share my outrage with my colleagues on the Newark Police Department that the thug won’t face real justice and their sorrow that this brave hero won’t ever fulfill his destiny to make an impact on his community. The thin blue line will honor him as he is laid to rest on Friday, March 14, 2025. I implore all active duty police officers to be safe while fulfilling your responsibilities. This is one event I don’t ever want to attend again.
We had a sellout crowd for the March 4th Anne Frank Exhibit that is currently touring the US. It’s a full scale reproduction of the hiding place where the Frank family spent the war in Amsterdam. On display at the Center for Jewish History, the exhibit has been extended to October 31st due to overwhelming demand. I urge everyone to see this important and timely presentation.
I got a one day hall pass from my wife and plan to attend the South Florida Shomrim Picnic on Sunday, March 30th, at TY Park in Hollywood, Florida. I’m looking forward to spending the day with Harvey Meshel and his members and getting to know everyone there. If you’re in the South Florida area and want to attend please let Harvey know ASAP. If possible I hope to attend other Shomrim chapter events that are planned for the rest of the year. `
I’m also working with past National Shomrim President/past NYPD Shomrim President Steven Litwin on the upcoming Celebrate Israel Parade. I’m learning that it takes alot of preplanning to put together this incredible and important annual event. I’m going to revamp the preparade collation, as we got alot of comments last year that the food wasn’t up to our usual standards. I hope to see everyone there so I can lead the largest delegation up Fifth Avenue at the Celebrate Israel Parade on Sunday, May 19, 2025. I’ll also hold a short National Shomrim meeting prior to the parade.
National Shomrim News
Let’s have as many chapters and associate members march with National Shomrim in the Celebrate Israel Parade on Sunday, May, 18, 2025. Once details are set for the preparade collation we’ll send out information in a future newsletter. This is one of the most important events that National Shomrim participates in every year, and while we pray the war will be over by then and we will be victorious over our enemies, we still need to stand strong and together and show the world we will not be silenced and we are proud to be Jews.
The annual National Shomrim Kaddish Service will take place during Police Memorial Week on Tuesday, May 13, 2025,at 9:30 a.m.at Judiciary Square in Washington D.C. Shomrim of D.C. President Jay Gruber makes all the arrangements, including the collation for Shomrim members and invited guests. Please email him directly at jg1502@georgetown.edu if you plan to attend.
We’re still accepting reservations for the National Shomrim Annual Convention at Sea. Imagine spending a sun filled week cruising the Caribbean on a brand new ship, being served delicious meals and exploring the ports of St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Punta Cana. You don’t have to imagine it! Join us for our Annual Convention at Sea when we sail on the Celebrity Xcel, a brand new ship that will be put into service later on this year. The cruise departs on Sunday, January 26, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. And for those of you who require kosher meals, there is a separate kosher kitchen on the ship with staff that has been trained in the Jewish dietary laws, so you can have chef prepared, delicious kosher meals. Our convention also attracts many Jewish passengers, too. We had about 200 people at our Shabbat service at our last convention, with a half dozen challahs that were baked especially for our group, at our request. Our speakers were engaging and interesting and we’re looking for presenters for our Signature Speakers Series for our next convention, so if you have a great tale to tell, let us know and we’ll put you in the lineup. Please contact our official National Shomrim cruise planner Tony Lostumbo at (954)384-7245 and sign up for the convention. You have till October to make full payment, so put down a deposit!
Chapter News and Events
Last call for the South Florida Shomrim Society annual “Machin a Piknik” on Sunday, March 30, 2025. This free annual event, which begins at 11:00 a.m., will be held at TY Park, Corporate Shelter 12, in Hollywood, Florida. All the kosher food and sides, sodas and waters are generously donated by the Weberman family. RSVP ASAP to chapter president Harvey Meshel at harvey@hsmconsulting.com or their treasurer Randi Meshel at treasurersouthfloridashomrim@gmail.com. Donations are accepted, as South Florida Shomrim is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
THE NATIONAL SHOMRIM FACEBOOK PAGE AND THE FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND X PAGES OF OUR CHAPTERS
PLEASE SEND IN YOUR NATIONAL SHOMRIM ASSOCIATE MEMBER DUES AND DONATIONS TO MARTY TURETZKY, 1503 S OCEAN BLVD., UNIT W-4, BOCA RATON, FL 33432
CHAPTER MEMBERS, PLEASE SEND YOUR CHAPTER DUES TO YOUR RESPECTIVE CHAPTERS
ALL DUES AND DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE, AS NATIONAL SHOMRIM AND OUR CHAPTERS ARE REGISTERED 501(c)(3) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Shomrim of Illinois will hold their annual Lox and Bagel Shoot in conjunction with Hadassah Midwest. Unlimited rounds and a bagel brunch for $20 – what a deal! Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the “Shoot” will take place at the North Shore Sports Club, 28392 Ballard Road, Lake Shore Illinois. Please contact them at shomrimsocietyofillinois@gmail.com if you’d like more information.
Save these dates!
- Thursday, June 5, 2025, NYPD Shomrim will have their annual dinner dance at Da Mikele Palazzo in Woodside, NY
- Sunday, July 27, 2025 is the annual bbq held by Shomrim of Illinois at Apachi Park in Northbrook
- Shomrim of Illinois Annual Golf Outing on Monday, August 25, 202
- Thursday, November 6, 2025, is the date for the South Florida Shomrim Society’s annual dinner dance
- Thursday, November 13, 2025, Shomrim of Illinois will hold their annual dinner, where they will be honoring the FIDF Midwest Chapter. It will be held at the Hilton Doubletree in Skokie.
NYPD Shomrim is planning its Mission to Israel. Leaving September 9, 2025and returning September 18, 2025, this 8 day trip includes transatlantic flights from NY or Chicago, visiting historic sights and Erev Shabbat Dinner at the Kotel. For information please contact NYPD Shomrim member Steven Lane at (917) 478-1078.
Details on all these events will be in an upcoming newsletter.
Member News
National Shomrim 2nd VP Jeff Grossman recently went to Israel and volunteered with Sar-El, helping the brave members of the IDF with ancillary duties while they fight our enemies on the front lines in Gaza. While in Tel Aviv Jeff met with the CEO of the Civil Squads of Israel, Nir Alon. CSOI is an all volunteer civilian patrol and helps arm the local communities and kibbutzim with what they need to defend themselves. This organization came out of the actions of a young woman from Kibbutz Nir Am, Inbar Liberman, who heard explosions on October 7th and rushed to open the armory and distribute guns to the 12 member security team of the kibbutz. They successfully defended their kibbutz while eliminating over 20 terrorists. Other communities who suffered massive losses weren’t so lucky, as we learned, many residents lost their lives defending their homes and towns with few weapons. Jeff is on a mission to correct these deficiencies. He’s asking chapters and individuals to donate any amount they can to help our brothers and sisters in Israel defend our ancestral homeland. Please visit their website, http://www.civilsquadsofisrael.com, to learn about their mission. You can contact Jeff directly at brooklynbodyworks@msn.com.
Past National Shomrim President/Port Authority Shomrim President Inspector Scot Pomerantz, newly assigned back to his first command at JFK Airport, recently had the ultimate security system installed in his new office. A brand new mezuzah was placed on his doorway, insuring that he’ll be protected by a higher authority. He also put on tefillin, calling both items “the ultimate protection.” The placement was overseen by Port Authority Shomrim Chaplain Rabbi Mendy Carlebach. And the mezuzah train kept rolling, as Rabbi Carlebach installed mezuzahs in the doorway of National Shomrim Sgt-at-Arms/PAPD Sgt Jonathan Schneider’s new home as well. The members of PAPD Shomrim are looking for ways to put mezuzahs at the various commands. They’ll have the best protection of any agency in the US!
A mezuzah was also place on the doorway of NYPD Shomrim member Inspector Igor Pinkhasov of the 71st Precinct in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Rabbi Chanina Sperlin oversaw the installation and was joined by other community leaders and 71st Precinct members. We’ve got some of the best protection at our disposal.
FDNY Ner Tamid members are busy helping each other getting extra protection beyond Fire Department issued equipment. Recently Ner Tamid member Lt. Jaroslawicz helped member Captain Frumer put on tefillin in his office in the Rockaways, Queens, NY. Their Instagram page is always showing members using their tefillin to tap into the spiritual power they need to fulfill their difficult assignments.
With sadness, we said goodbye to the following Shomrim members:
- With a heavy heart, South Florida Shomrim said goodbye to longtime member and immediate Past Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Weiss, age 82. Paul retired from the Broward Sheriff’s Office as a court deputy and was a PBA representative. A veteran of the US Army, Paul proudly served his country, his county and South Florida Shomrim. A resident of Pembroke Pines, Florida, he is survived by his daughter. A graveside service was held on February 27, 2025, at Wellwood Cemetery, West Babylon, NY.
- FDNY Ner Tamid sadly announced the passing of retired member Raymond Liebowitz. Raymond was a dispatcher and served as the editor of Ner Tamid’s paper, “The Shofar.” Services were held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at New Montefiore Cemetery in NY.
- Nassau Shomrim sadly announced the passing of the father of Inspector Alan Hirsch, Robert Hirsch, of Lake Worth, Florida. The funeral will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, 1115 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, Florida and the burial will take place immediately after at the South Florida National Cemetery at 12:30. The family will be sitting shiva at the Hirsch home at 6800 Rienzo Street, Lake Worth, FL from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please try to attend the maariv services at 7:30 p.m. so Alan can say kaddish for his father.
May the Weiss, Hirsch and Leibowitz family know no more sorrows, and may they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Israel.
CHAPTER PRESIDENTS! As a reminder – and we shouldn’t be reminding you about this – but the newsletter should be send out to all your members as soon as it hits your email. We hear from chapter members often that they don’t get the National Shomrim newsletter. It reflects on you and keeps your members from not getting involved in chapter and National Shomrim activities. Once again – send your members the newsletter! As please post your chapter events on the National Shomrim Facebook page! If we don’t know about your events then we can’t let others know! And if you haven’t responded to National Shomrim President Ben Gelber’s request to send him your phone number so he can add you to the newly formed whatsapp chat, please email him at gelber72pct@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS! We’re still accepting dues for 2025 and have a few members who haven’t sent in 2024 dues. Sadly, we had to drop two members who, despite us reaching out to them numerous times, via email and phone calls, haven’t paid dues since 2023. That always upsets us because we consider our associate members even more important than our chapter members. Your determination to keep your Jewish identity in areas where there is a small or nonexistence Jewish community is remarkable, especially in today’s atmosphere of blatant and violent antisemitism. Just as important, please attend as many events as you can. You can plan a nice weekend getaway to New York for the Celebrate Israel Parade, or to Florida for the South Florida Shomrim Picnic or their dinner, or to Illinois for the Shomrim of Illinois picnic or lox and bagel shoot. And of course we want as many of our associate members to attend the National Shomrim Convention at Sea!