Newsletter Spring 2019

Written and Produced by Betty Astrizky, Corresponding Secretary, National Conference of Shomrim Societies

National Shomrim will be marching up Fifth Avenue in New York City on Sunday, June 2, 2019, as one of the largest delegations in the Celebrate Israel Parade.  National Shomrim leads our chapters and associate members, family and friends, police vehicles and fire trucks, up the most famous street in the world in the greatest city in the world.  We will be honored this year to have our newest associate member join us, Commander Sheila Lambie, from the St. Paul Police Dept.  Returning to march with us for a second year in a row is the president of the Jewish Police Association of the Netherlands, Michel Theeboom, who is flying in from The Hague.  It will once again be an amazing celebration of Jewish pride.  Prior to the parade National Shomrim will host a pre parade collation at 8:00 a.m. at Congregation Emanuel, Fifth Avenue and 65th Street, and there will also be a short National Shomrim meeting right before we leave to line up.  There’s still time to make your plane, train and hotel reservations to join us at one of our most important events of the year.

National Shomrim is also planning a group outing to see the Brooklyn Cyclones (a New York Mets farm teams) on Sunday, June 23, 2019, Jewish Heritage Night, at Cyclones Stadium in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY.   Once we have details and pricing all the information will be sent out.  

We have gotten such an overwhelmingly positive response to the 2020 National Shomrim convention that there are only 10 cabins left on on the cruise ship Celebrity Reflection, which will sail from Ft. Lauderdale on Friday, January 10, 2020, to St. John’s, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Maarten, and return on Monday, January 20, 2020.  With four sea days and 5 ports of call, this will be an ambitious and exciting convention, and we will visit locations in the Southern Caribbean we have never been.   Our group rate is currently approximately $1,500.00 lower than the published cruise fare, a great deal that won’t last!  Anyone wishing to join us must contact Tony as soon as possible to lock in the special price for our group:

Balcony – $1,739 pp (single supplement $3,478)

Inside – $1,179 pp (single supplement ($2,358)

Anyone booking a cabin can choose one of these four perks:

• free gratuities
• classic beverage package
• free internet
• $300 shipboard credit

Everyone will receive a $50.00 shipboard credit regardless of when they book a cabin.

A $900 deposit is due at the time of the booking and is fully refundable until October 1, 2019. Taxes are an additional $104.56 per person. Our group will also have our own private cocktail party, the Sabbath services and our signature lecture series.  A few more surprises are planned. Please contact Tony directly at tony@cruiseplannersone.com for additional information and to book for our 2020 convention.

CHAPTER NEWS AND INFORMATION

South Florida Shomrim invites all to their annual “Machin a Piknik” on Sunday, April 14, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at C.B. Smith Park, Flamingo Road and Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Florida.  This free picnic, generously catered by Weberman’s Traditional Foods, features hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, sides, and beverages.  There are activities for the kids, and a raffle and auction for the grown ups (and grown up beverages, too!), so bring money.  Admission to C.B. Smith Park is $1.50 per person (ages 6 and up), $8.00 maximum charge per car or van (9 occupants or fewer).  Many Shomrim members from different chapters and their families and friends make their way to the park and bbq for a fun afternoon.  Please RSVP ASAP to South Florida Shomrim President Harvey Meshel at harvey@hsmconsulting.net or call (954) 445-8143, or you can also contact Randi Meshel at randi@hsmconsulting.net or Paul Weiss at pbaweiss@hotmail.com.  Make sure you come hungry! 

Shomrim of Northern California will be hosting a musical Passover seder on Sunday, April 27, 2019, at the home of their president Jerome Cobert in Sebastopol, California, approximately one hour north of San Francisco. It is a family oriented musical service, in the reform style, followed by a campfire havdalah service.  Guests are asked to arrive by 5:30 p.m. and they plan on starting at 6:00 p.m. A donation of $18.00 per person is requested.  If you would like to attend this unique event please contact Jerome directly at jerome.cobert@norcalshomrim.org.

In cooperation with the NYC Fire Dept., the Ner Tamid Society will be co-hosting a Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the FDNY Headquarters Auditorium.  They will honor the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising; pay homage to the memory of those lost in the Holocaust; and take a stand against all forms of oppression.  Refreshments will be served following the event.  Please RSVP directly to diversity.inclusion@fdny.nyc.gov with the subject line “Holocaust Remembrance.”  For additional information please contact the Ner Tamid Society directly at fdnynts@gmail.com.

Michael Picard, President of the Macabee Society (NYC Dept. of Corrections) invites all to attend the annual Mickey Marcus Memorial Service on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. If requested, they will provide transportation.  Light refreshments will be served at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel Social Hall.  The Memorial Service will be honoring the memory of Col. Mickey Marcus and the 41 U.S. and Canadian volunteers who gave their lives in Israel’s War of Independence in 1947 to 1949.   There will be messages from the Prime Minister of Israel, the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, and a graveside wreath laying ceremony. Please contact him directly at Michael.Picard@doc.nyc.gov for information on this tribute to a hero.

The 2019 Annual National Police Week Shomrim Society Kaddish Service will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. and will be held at the National law Enforcement Memorial, 400 E Street N.W., Washington D.C.  Following the service attendees are invited to attend a collation at the D.C. FOP Lodge #1, 711 4th Street, or call (202) 497-0989.  Make plans to attend this moving event to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  Additionally a delegation of 15 Israeli Police Officers will again be joining officers from around the United States in the Police Unity Motorcycle Tour Ride from the World Trade Center in New York City to Washington D.C. for Police Week and the Kaddish service.  They are looking for donations to defray their expenses.  If you would like to help out, please send a check marked Police Unity Tour/Team Israel Police, and mail it to Michael Safris, 56 Livingston Avenue, Suite 250, Rosalind, NJ. 07068.  Reminder for those attending National Police Memorial Week:  if you meet a Jewish Police Officer who is unaware of our organization, please get their business cards or contact information and forward them to the Corresponding Secretary Betty Astrizky at BAstrizky@aol.com.  Betty will get in touch with them and introduce them to our great organization.

Nassau Shomrim has a whole lineup of events coming up!  

• The Annual Passover Food Drive will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Nassau Provisions Kosher Foods, 200 Albany Avenue, Freeport, NY.  This important mitzvah, arranged thru Hatzilu, helps Jewish families in need in Nassau County to ensure they have a proper Passover.  It will only require a few hours to help out and everyone is welcome.  Please arrive by 8:30 a.m.  Light refreshments will be served.
• Sunday, May 19, 2019 is their Annual Breakfast at the Sephardic Temple, 775 Branch Blvd., Cedarhurst, NY. 11516.  Tickets are $50.00 per person.  The prayer service begins at 8:15 a.m. and the program starts at 9:00 a.m.  They will be honoring Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder as their Law Enforcement Person of the Year; Martin Elias as their Philanthropist Person of the Year; Retired Probation Supervisor Cheryl Garber and Deputy Inspection Alan Hirsch will receive their Avodah Service Awards; and the Todah Appreciation Award will be presented to Auxiliary Inspector Danny Gluck.  You can show your support for their organization by purchasing a journal ad, congratulating their honorees or marketing your business.
• Nassau Shomrim will be participating in a Fraternal Unity Atlantic City Day Trip on Thursday, June 13, 2019. The cost is $25.00 per person and includes the round trip bus ride, a $25.00 playing chip and refreshments.  A potluck breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. and the bus will leave promptly at 9:30 a.m. from the Nassau County Police HQ Rear S/W Lot off Golf Drive Lane.

To RSVP to any of these great events please contact them directly at nassaushomrim@gmail.com.

Some great events are being planned by Shomrim of Illinois!  On Sunday, August 4, 2019, they will be having their annual cookout at Camp Apachi in Northbrook.  On Monday, August 26, 2019, get ready to play at their annual golf outing at the Arboretum Club in Buffalo Grove.  On Thursday, November 14, 2019, an evening reception is planned at the Westin O’Hare Hotel.  They are also planning their annual Chanukah party, date TBD.  So keep these dates in mind for fun times with Shomrim of Illinois!

Save these dates!

• Monday, December 23, 2019 – FDNY Ner Tamid Chanukah Celebration
• Friday, December 27, 2019 – Port Authority Shomrim Society Chanukah Celebration

MEMBER NEWS AND INFORMATION

On January 27, 2019, Chicago Police Officer Brian Richards, of the CPD’s 20th District and a Shomrim of Illinois member, braved the ice cold waters of Lake Michigan to rescue a man who had fallen into the lake who was attempting to rescue his dog.  The man and his dog both survived thanks to Brian and the other officers efforts.  Brian and his fellow officers and the man and his dog were featured on the front page of April 10th issue of the Chicago Tribune.  Way to to Brian!  Keep up the great work and stay safe!

Past National Shomrim President and Past Nassau Shomrim President Scott Bresalier was recently featured on the local West Palm Beach news channel describing how he trained a new therapy dog to offer healing to those affected by tragedies.  Scott was a personal friend of Michael Guttenberg, who recently passed away from 9/11-related pancreatic cancer.  In a tragic irony, Michael was the uncle of Jaime Guttenberg, one of the victims of the Parkland school massacre.  Scott used his long work history with K9s to train this new therapy dog, named Jaime in honor of Jaime Guttenberg, for the students of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, who are still dealing with the impact of the shooting, as well as to others in the Boca Raton community who can be comforted by the therapy dog.  Scott’s amazing tribute to his friend Michael, and to Jaime comes from his heart and he devoted personal time and effort to complete the training.  You can see the news report on Bonnie Newman Bresalier’s Facebook page.  

Several members of the NYPD Shomrim Society recently participated in an FDIF Soldiers and Cigars event , where the guest of honor was IDF Capt. Chen Lugassi.  Among those who attended were retired members David Reiff, Mark Mekler, Leo Itzkowitz, Henry Friedman and Gordon Nash.

Shomrim of Baltimore member Steven Hausman invites all to a special concert presented by a community choir, Kolot HaLev on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Ami, 14330 Travilah Road, Rockville, MD, 20850.  The  11th anniversary concert is called “Le Chansons Juives” and portrays the saga of French Jews and will feature elections by various composers.  Tickets are for sale online at kolothalev.org/annual-concert.  Koloit HaLev has performed at many venues, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Italian Embassy and the Jewish Heritage Museum. 

Congratulations to Shomrim of D.C. member Sarit Scott as she retires after completing 25 years of service with the Montgomery County (Maryland) Police Dept. Sarit started as a patrol officer in the Wheaton/4th District for 9 1/2 years, 7 of them on midnight tours.  She was a background investigator, a district level detective for 11 1/2 years in the Bethesda/2nd District, and the last few years in Major Crimes, working in Homicide and Robbery.  Sarit served as an Instructor and Sergeant in the Israel Defense Force and has been honored by numerous organizations and police departments, including American Friends of Magen Adom.  Happily married to Russell Scott for 23 years, who is retired from the Prince George’s County Police Department, they have two children and coordinated the annual memorial Game Day at the Washington Nationals in memory of their beloved son, Elie, AH, beginning in July 9, 1999, which would have been his birthday.  Congratulations Sarit on all your achievements and enjoy your retirement – the best is yet to come!

It was a very happy birthday for Port Authority Shomrim Society First Vice President and National Shomrim Corresponding Secretary Betty Astrizky as she celebrated her special day at the NYPD Shomrim Society Installation Dinner. Betty was serenaded by the band, danced with her beloved, and was surprised with a birthday cake, and it was even more special that her friends from the many Shomrim chapters were there to wish her well.

We send a refeuah shelemah to National Shomrim Treasurer Marty Turetzky as he undergoes surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. Feel better soon!

We were heartbroken to hear that Aurea Irizarry,  the mother in law of NYPD Shomrim member Mark Mekler, passed away recently.  Abuela, as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, will be forever missed by Margaret, her daughter; Ilana, her granddaughter, and all her family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 12, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Church, 10300 Yamato Road (and State Road 441), Boca Raton, Florida.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES!

The following job opportunities were recently posted on our Facebook page:

Come live and work in the land of endless summer!  Check out these employment opportunities in Florida!

• The Pembroke Pines (Florida) Police Dept. is hiring certified and non certified police officers and other sworn and civilian positions.  Go to www.ppines.com/jobs for this and other employment opportunities.
• The Florida Highway Patrol is hiring state troopers and dispatchers.  Please check their website, www.beatrooper.com, for details on how to apply
• The Washington D.C. Metro Police department has an open recruitment for police officers.  For details on salary and requirements please check their website, joinmpd.dc.gov
• The City of Fairfax, Virginia has an open recruitment for police officers.  Please check their website, fairfaxva.gov, for information.
• The New Jersey State Police will be accepting applications for state troopers from April 29, 2019 to May 12, 2019.  They will be having an information session on April 13, 2019 from 12:00 noon. until 2:00 p.m. at Rutgers University, Center for Law and Justice, Room 070, 123 Washington Street, Newark, NJ. 07101.  For questions or to speak to a recruiter please email them at Recruiting@gw.njsp.org or call (609) 882-2000 ext. 6401
• The city of Portland, Oregon, is accepting applications for entry level and lateral transfers for police officers.  There are signing bonuses and other incentives, so please check out the requirements at joinportlandpolice.com.
• The Jewish Foundation for the Education of Women is offering a $3,500 scholarship for three years for female freshmen students at any City University of New York (CUNY) college.  For requirements and information please contact them at www.commonpointqueens.org/jfewscholar2019 or kklein@commonpointqueens.org.  Many of our New York Shomrim members are graduates of many of the CUNY schools, including John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the finest criminal justice school in the nation.
• The Volunteers for Israel/Sar El Campus Ambassador Program, are inviting college students to apply for a unique and fully subsidized Israel program.  They will select a small group of college students from across the country to spend a week together learning and volunteering alongside Israeli soldiers.  The trip will take place from May 30, 2019 thru June 6, 2019. Registration closes April 15, 2019, so please contact LeahVFICampus@gmail.com if you know college students who would be interested in this amazing experience.
• The 2019 Junior Police Camp will be held on July 15, 2019 thru July 19, 2019, for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students of Toms River, NJ.  Applications are due by June 1, 2019, so if you know any youngsters who are interested in police work and live in that area, please have them and their parents check our their website, www.TRPolice.org.

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS!  Please remember to forward the National Shomrim newsletter to your members.  Oftentimes we run into a member of a Shomrim chapter who is unaware of either National Shomrim or chapter activities and who never received the newsletter.  It’s in your chapter’s best interest to send all your members the newsletter, because you never know who will be motivated to become active in your organization. Please feel free to post the newsletter on your chapter’s website and Facebook page, too.  It’s also important to make sure your chapter dues of $100.00 are paid.  If you have not paid your 2018 or 2019 dues, please send them in right away so that your chapter and your members are eligible to participate in National Shomrim events and vote on important issues.  

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS!  Do you enjoy a daily Starbucks grande?  Do you enjoy several Starbucks grandes a day?  Maybe you only visit them two or three times a week.  Or maybe some of you go for the Dunkin Donuts $2.00 coffee special once a day.  When you add all that up, you’ll see that it’s cheaper to pay your National Shomrim Associate member dues of $18.00, which gives you a lot more than a coffee!  So skip your once a day cuppa from Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, put that cash in an envelope or a coffee cup, and when you reach $18.00, please send in your 2019 dues. And then you can go back to Starbucks and DD and enjoy your coffee. Or if you don’t want to to send a check or cash, you can do it easily thru your bank.  Just set up National Shomrim as a payee, enter the amount and the address where it should be sent (see below), and they’ll do it for you.  No hunting for an envelope or a stamp and no driving to the post office.  It’s easy and you won’t even have to leave your house.  Associate members, please keep your membership active!  We do not like dropping people for nonpayment. And just as importantly, please participate to the extent that you can in any National Shomrim or chapter events.  We want to meet as many of you as possible!

Chapter dues and Associate Member dues go to the works of the organizations.  National Shomrim as well as many chapters are 501(c)(3) charities, so dues go to charitable events and other important causes.  So remember – there’s strength in numbers!  Get involved!  And please, when you meet a Jewish police officer, fire fighter, or any Jewish member in public service that never heard of Shomrim – and there are many – get their contact information so we can reach out and welcome them to our great organization! Also, just because we are a faith based organization it doesn’t mean we are exclusive to the Jewish community.  On the contrary, many of our events, including our convention, outings, breakfasts and dinners, are attended by many of our colleagues from other organizations and from different backgrounds and beliefs.  We want and encourage the diversity that makes our chosen professions interesting.  National Shomrim and our chapters always strive to be inclusive, so please let your friends and colleagues know that they are more than welcome to join us at any event we host.