[Click HERE for photos] Monroe, NY – Over a dozen Jewish community leaders and clergy from throughout New York State gathered last night near the Village of Kiryas Joel in a private setting, to honor New York State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt.

Participants, joined by numerous sheriffs and other law-enforcement personnel, hailed Superintendent Corbitt for his role in monitoring safety and security at the Sloatsburg Rest Area on the New York State Thruway, a stop heavily trafficked by the state’s sizable Orthodox community, especially during the summer season.

Thousands of New Yorkers of all faiths travel to the Catskills every Thursday night throughout June, July and August-and as such, the state’s Thruway Authority designated an area at the Sloatsburg stop for afternoon/night prayers between 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.

At the gathering, participants also expressed deep gratitude to Superintendent Corbitt, First Deputy Superintendent Pedro Perez, and Commander Robert Meyers of the New York State Police’s Troop T for their remarkable accommodations for religious travelers.

“It is my great honor to be here tonight with the Friedmans. Rabbi Morton Friedman and his son Abe have given guidance to me and many of my staff and members of the New York State Police,” said Corbitt. “I also thank all community leaders for this great award that you have given to me. [As for] the Minchah area, I will continue to make sure all communities from all faiths have a safe and secure environment at the Sloatsburg area.”

“Throughout the summer season, the New York State Police, under the stewardship of Superintendent Harry Corbitt, have shown a sustained and commendable devotion to maintaining the well-being and protection of travelers of all faiths. Their gallant efforts are immensely appreciated by every member of the community they serve so nobly,” said Rabbi Morton Friedman, activist and Jewish chaplain for the New York State Troopers PBA who oversees the prayer area.

Longtime New York State Police Special Assistant, noted activist Rabbi Bernard Freilich said, “The entire New York State Police and its members are appreciated for their devotion and professionalism shown to the greater Jewish community.”

“I’m here tonight to participate in honoring the New York State Police for their great deeds of working with the Jewish community,” said State Sen. Eric Adams. “As a senator involved in many communities I can state: I’m proud to be a part of this community and I’m proud to be a part of the work of great leaders like Rabbi Morton and Abe Friedman. They are true leaders and an example of building bridges between the community and law enforcement throughout New York.”

Some others participating in the event, were Catskills Hatzolah Coordinator Bernie Gibs. Sullivan County Sheriff Chaplain Simcha Bernath, Abe Friedman – Sullivan County Special Assistant, Rensselaer County Sheriff Chaplain Rabbi Joel Lefkowitz, Williamsburg Shomrim Coordinator Jabob Itzkowitz, NYC Sheriff Chaplain Joel Friedman, and others.

(YWN Desk – NYC)