March 2025
Benjamin Gelber
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
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.
Fraternally,
Benjamin Gelber
President