What a great turnout for the Israel of 5th Parade on Sunday, June 2, 2024! In spite of the extremely tight security and the high alerts, as in past years our National Shomrim delegation stepped off and led the parade, over 200 strong, with many chapters, their families and friends joining us. Thankfully there were no incidents and although the crowds were reduced and limited to only a few blocks, they showed their love for our police officers, fire fighters, court and corrections officers that proudly showed New York and the world that we are not afraid and we will always stand strong together. The Jewish Community Relations Council. the parent organization of the annual parade, estimated that the amount of groups that marched were three times more than past years, and the crowd, even though they were confined to a smaller area, was also three times larger than in past years. It’s an incredible testament to the Jewish community that shows we will never be broken.
Prior to the parade we had a collation and enjoyed a traditional New York breakfast of bagels and coffee. Everyone mingled and we welcomed several chapters and members who flew in for the parade. Thank you National Shomrim Sergeant-At-Arms Jeff Grossman, a Brooklyn boy who currently lives and works in San Antonio, TX; Bob Danor, from Plano, TX; and Vadim Rotberg, Executive Vice President of Shomrim of Northern California. Thanks, guys, for making the trip to New York, and we want to see you and your members at many more Shomrim events and especially our annual National Shomrim Convention. We also welcomed a potential new chapter – the Jewish Troopers Alliance of New Jersey. Their President Marc Zislin reached out to us several months back and asked to join National Shomrim as an associate member, and we were happy to welcome him. Marc has been working to unite the Jewish police officers of the NJ State Troopers and brought several of them to the parade. They are anxious to grow their organization and we’l help any way we can. National Shomrim Treasurer Marty Turetzky couldn’t be at the parade because he was on a family trip to Israel, so he called in and told everyone that in spite of the war, Israel is thriving and their spirit is strong. They are waiting for all of us to travel to our ancestral homeland and we hope to plan a National Shomrim trip to Israel sometime in the future.
We’re getting excited for our annual National Shomrim Convention in January 2025. We shared the details with so many people at the parade and at a recent joint NYPD Shomrim-Port Authority Shomrim event (more on that later) and many people expressed interested in joining us. As a reminder, our Convention will be held on the Celebrity cruise ship Ascent and we will sail from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Nassau, Falmouth (Jamaica), and Grand Cayman (the original schedule had the ship making a port of call to Labadee, Haiti, but recent unrest in that country has caused many cruises, including Celebrity, to change the itinerary). Sailing date is Sunday, January 12, 2025 for 7 glorious, sun filled days on this beautiful ship. We will have private events, including our cocktail party, presentations and the Shabbat service that attracts many Jewish passengers who we meet on the ship during the cruise. We get so many compliments on our service and its always great to meet Jewish passengers from other cities and countries. We are always looking for presenters for our Signature Speakers Series, so if you have an area of interest that you would like to give a short presentation at one of our gatherings, please notify Convention Coordinators Marty Turetzky at rmturetzky@aol.com or Betty Astrizky at BAstrizky@aol.com. Please contact our official cruise planner Tony Lostumbo at cruiseexpo@gmail.com or call him at (954) 258-0088. Don’t delay, we have only a few cabins left at our special group rate. Once our allotment of cabins are filled, if you want to join us, you will to pay Celebrity’s full published price.
Chapter News and Events
As mentioned above, Port Authority Shomrim and NYPD Shomrim collaborated on a visit to the Nova Exhibit on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The visit, spearheaded by Port Authority Shomrim Sergeant-at-Arms PO Jacob Shrybman, was open to Shomrim members from both chapters and there were approximately 50 people met at the exhibit. To say that the exhibit was emotional is an understatement. There were actual items from the Nova Festival, burned cars, burned IDF tanks, clothes, shoes, the bar that sold drinks, and the porta potties, where innocent victims hid and were gunned down by the terrorists. There were also many video screens throughout the exhibit, with survivors telling their stories of how they survived and how many of them helped people escape. There were harrowing videos, too, including how Hamas – may they be wiped from the face of the earth immediately – went into the kibbutzim searching for victims. One of the worst videos shown was what they did to the women. All these videos were hard to watch but necessary to see. At the end of the exhibit we gathered to hear from two young men, survivors of the Nova massacre, who described what happened to them and how they managed to save lives. They definitely did not want to be called heroes but they are. The most heartbreaking moment was when the aunt and uncle of Daniella Gilboa spoke to our group. Daniella is one of the young women who was in a video released by Hamas and one of the terrorists says to her, “you’re very beautiful, I’m going to make you my slave.” They have been traveling the country, speaking to Jewish groups, meeting with elected officials and even the Secretary-General of the UN, pleading for their intervention for her release and the release of all the hostages. The pain and trauma and the depths of their agony was visible on their faces. This was one of the most important Shomrim events of the year. We all left knowing we have to do our part, whatever that may be, to help Israel win this war immediately. You can see pictures and videos of the Shomrim delegation as well as from the exhibit on the National Shomrim Facebook page and the Instagram page for Port Authority Shomrim members.
Several chapters were invited to Gracie Mansion in NYC as Mayor Eric Adams celebrated Jewish Heritage Month in June. Port Authority Shomrim President DI Scot Pomerantz was there with several members, as was NYPD Shomrim President Phil Weisbord and FDNY Ner Tamid President Yonatan Klein. This annual events draws members and leaders from the New York City area to celebrate Jewish heritage and the long history of the Jewish community in New York City. Mayor Adams, a former NYPD officer, is a strong supporter of Israel and has spoken out against the recent college encampments and against the hate speech and attacks targeting the Jewish community in NYC.
Shomrim of Illinois has been busy! Board Member Joanna Benjamin and Detective Marcus Shepard represented their organization at the Chicago PD’s Family Day at the academy. Chapter President Dave Appel and former President Steven Marchfield offered kosher hot dogs with all the fixings at the FOP’s 3rd Annual “Taste of FOP” on May 24th. Shomrim of Illinois lent their “eyes and ears” to ensure a safe Yom HaAtzmaut Celebration for Israel’s 76th Independence, which was held at the Daley Center in Chicago. Director of Special Events Elliot Cohen coordinated the team effort and many members helped out. Their Lox and Bagels Shoot on May 5th was a success, and thanks to Magen Chicago and Hadassah Chicago-North Shore members who attended.
NYPD Shomrim members recently reunited for their annual Old Timers Luncheon at Ben’s Deli in Bayside, NY. They shmoozed, talking about their “glory days” and enjoyed delicious traditional NY deli.
We have some great Shomrim events coming up, so please make plans to attend as many of them as possible!
- Shomrim of Illinois will have their annual picnic on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Apache Day Camp in Northbrooke, IL. This free picnic brings together over 150 members, their families and friends that enjoy great bbq and the fun events at the camp. Their picnic wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the co-chairs, their First Vice President CPD Sgt. Justin Homer and his wife, Shomrim member Amy Homer. So take a weekend vacay and join Shomrim of Illinois at this midsummer classic. RSVP to chapter president David Appel at dapple9029@hotmail.com.
- Shomrim of Illinois will have their Annual Reception and Dinner Dance on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Skokie, Illinois, where they will be honoring Magen David Adom. Details will be in a future newsletter, so make your travel plans now.
- South Florida Shomrim Society will have their annual dinner dance on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Temple Solel, Hollywood, Florida. We’ll update you when we have more details.- On Thursday, November 21, 2024, NYPD Shomrim Society will be celebrating 100 years of the formation of their organization. This important milestone event will be held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Battery Park City, NYC. Once plans are set they will be printed in a future newsletter.
Member News
Happy 93rd birthday to Shomrim of Illinois Past President Sonny Lukatsky! Sonny celebrated on April 5, 2024 and is a Shomrim of Illinois legend, still attending meetings and getting involved in as many events as possible. Mazal tov Sonny, and til 120!
The March issue of the JUF Magazine featured Shomrim of Illinois member Robb Tadelman. Robb is the Sheriff of McHenry County and is the highest ranking Jewish law enforcement official in the State of Illinois. Robb joined Shomrim of Illinois over a year ago and attends meetings and events when his scheduled allows. Great article and a great Star of David.
South Florida Shomrim Society was thrilled to announce that their chaplain, Rabbi Dovid Weberman, has been appoint at a chaplain to the ATF Miami Field Office in April 2024. A great honor and a great choice by ATF.
Port Authority Shomrim President DI Scot Pomerantz was selected to attend the FBI national academy this summer. Scot will be representing the PAPD and joins 250 other members of law enforcement from across the country and around the world attending this prestigious institution.
Mazal Tov to NYPD Shomrim members Yehuda Sirota, who was promoted to Lieutenant, and Yehuda Sicherman, who was promoted to Sergeant.
In May, retired PA Shomrim Sergeant-at-Arms Lt. Scott Glazer was recognized for his 40 years of service to the Long Beach (NY) Fire Department. Scott serves as a Deputy Fire Commissioner and as captain of their Rescue Company. Scott is also a certified EMT. Congratulations, Scott, for this well deserved honor. Scott also celebrated his birthday in May. Mazal tov Scott!
On a recent trip to Israel, FDNY New Tamid member Lt. Winkler delivered pizza to an IDF field artillery unit on behalf of their organization. Our brave soldiers were excited to have this treat.
Shomrim of Northern California was thrilled to announce they have a possible new member! Carter Steven Epstein was born to member Matt Epstein and his wife Megan. Matt is a Captain at the California Military Police and President of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Center in Sonoma County. Welcome Carter and we know you and your siblings are the future of Shomrim.
Refeuah Shelemah to Shomrim of Illinois President David Appel, who had surgery on June 3, 2024. Dave is a fixture at many Shomrim events and has taken time from his busy schedule to join National Shomrim at past Celebrate Israel Parades. Unfortunately he couldn’t join us this year because his surgery was scheduled for Monday, the day after the parade. National Shomrim Chaplain Rabbi Tzvi Berkowitz said a misheberach for Dave, and we know Dave’s ready to be back in action.
Congratulations to National Shomrim Associate Member Sheila Lambie as she retires from the St. Paul Police Dept. on June 28, 2024. Sheila is wrapping up a 33 year career with her department, retiring as a Commander and has been the only Jewish police officer, male or female, on the St. Paul Police. We met Sheila several years ago at one of our Shomrim conventions and when she learned about us, she immediately joined and has attended events, even marched with us at the Celebrate Israel parade. Sheila will now indulge her passion, travel, and is a certified travel agent, which she has been doing part time for the last 25 years and will now do full time. She’s also going to be doing security for the Professional Women’s Hockey League. She will be busier than ever in her retirement. Mazal tov Sheila, and welcome to the check of the month club!
With sadness, we said goodbye to the following:
- FDNY Ner Tamid regretfully announced the passing of long time member Lt. Gustave M. Beatus on Feburary 1, 2024. Lt. Beatus was appointed to the FDNY on February 24, 1961 and retired September 8, 1998. For several year he ran the Ner Tamid Cemetery Committee.
- FDNY Ner Tamid was also saddened to announce the passing of Richard Griffel, father of member Captain Jeffrey Griffel. A graveside service was held on May 28, 2024.
- Nassau Shomim President Det. Joe Oginski was heartbroken at the passing of his grandmother, Helen Fried, on May 10, 2024. A private family service was held.
- NYPD Shomrim was sad to announce the passing of Amy O’Malley, daughter of life member Carl Greenberg, in May.
May the Beatus, Griffel, Oginski, Fried, O’Malley and Greenberg families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Israel, and may they know no more sorrows. CHAPTER PRESIDENTS! We are accepting 2024 National Shomrim dues, so please send them to Marty Turetzky, 1503 S. Ocean Blvd., Unit W-4, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Dues are $100 a year and are made payable to National Shomrim. We also remind you all to share the newsletter with your members, and want all of you and your members to attend chapter events and our National Shomrim events, including our convention in 2025. All your members should ask to join the National Shomrim Facebook page and of course if you have a Facebook and Instagram page, please let us know so we can share with our members. Its so important that we have as many of your members as possible at events. And if you need help with recruiting, please reach out to any National Shomrim Board Member and we’ll be happy to give you advice. Chapter members, please send your dues directly to your chapters. Donations are always appreciated, as all monies go to chapter events and supporting Jewish causes and organizations, including Israel right now. All chapters are 501(c)(3) registered organizations, so your dues are tax deductible.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS! We are asking all our associate members to send in your 2024 dues as soon as possible. Please send them to National Shomrim Treasurer Marty Turetzky, 1503 S. Ocean Blvd., Unit W-4, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Dues remain at $18 a year and you are eligible to attend any Shomrim event in your area or in other areas. When traveling, you can always reach out to your counterparts in Shomrim to meet up. And if you know of Jewish police officers, fire fighters, court officers, corrections officers, DAs/ADAs, and civilians in your areas who are not familiar with Shomrim, or if you meet anyone in your daily lives, at work, or in your communities, please get their names and emails and we’ll contact them to let them know about our great organization. We’re always happy to welcome new members.
We’ve all seen on Facebook Coffee with a Cop and similar events in communities across the country. We’re asking members in those cities and states, please try to attend these meet and greets and speak to these officers about Shomrim. There may be a lone Jewish officer in that department or they may have a rabbi that provides spiritual guidance to the Jewish officers. We want them to know that there is an organization that is just for them, aligned with their beliefs and values. Once again, everyone who is a Shomrim member should ask to join the National Shomrim Facebook page and the Facebook and Instagram page of their chapters. If you don’t your missing out on up to the minute news, job opportunities and events.