A pre-Passover Holiday meeting took place on March 15 at the office of Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and was hosted by Deputy Mayor Maurice Kemp. Among the high ranking officials in attendance were members from the Medical Examiner’s office, Florida Highway Patrol, Special Agent-in-Charge Troy Walker, from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, FBI Miami, Miami Dade Corrections Dept, Miami Dade Fire Rescue, Miami Jewish Federation, Director Perez of the Miami Dade Police Dept. Also in attendance were representatives of MDPD Airport District, MDPD Inter-Coastal, Miami International Airport Aviation Security – Director Mark Hatfield, Commissioner Sally Heiman’s office, Hatzalah of Miami Dade and Rabbi Mordechai Palgon, Dean Toras Chaim Toras Emes.

FHP-NMBPD Chaplain and CSE Director Mark Rosenberg thanked all of the agencies for their commitment and dedication to the needs of the Orthodox communities all year around and especially during the holiday seasons. “The cohesive response towards the wellbeing of the Jewish community in times like this is beyond words. People like Major Christopher Dellapietra, Commander FHP Troop E Miami, who caringly oversees the needs of the Jewish community, are a tribute to their professionalism and expertise,” said Chaplain Rosenberg.

The meeting focused on the Jewish community’s need for increased visibility during the late hours of the night as families walk home very late after the holiday meals, safety concerns due to an influx of visitors to the various communities, as well as logistical concerns that pertain to Passover restrictions and customs. Chaplain Rosenberg thanked Deputy Mayor Kemp for his support and for overseeing this great detail. “MDPD Director Juan Perez and Deputy Director Alfredo Ranirez have always been supportive to the needs of the Jewish community and to their credit, under their leadership the MDPD excels in community policing” said Chaplain Rosenberg.

CSE initiated a meeting in Tallahassee (the State’s capitol) on March 20 with Terry Rhodes, Executive Director of Florida Highway Safety, Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol and a meeting with Commissioner Richard Swearingen of FDLE to discuss specific Passover holiday needs within the Jewish communities of Florida. Also present were Assistant Commissioner Tom Foi, and Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Pritt. CSE took the initiative to open channels between various agency leaders and facilitate a united response for safety and logistical concerns. Colonel Spaulding stressed the importance of such communication and ensured that special Holiday details will be put in place throughout the state providing extra patrols that will monitor possible difficulties during the Holidays. FHP Chaplain and Director of CSE, Mark Rosenberg and David Katz from CSE thanked all for a very successful and productive meeting.

Due to the unprecedented gathering of more than 30,000 Jewish families converging in Orlando for the Passover holiday, Chaplain Rosenberg and David Katz from CSE met with various Orlando agencies on March 26 to address safety concerns, as tourists who have rented over 2000 villas prepare for the holiday.

The meeting was arranged and hosted by Major Wexler Bright of FHP Troop D and ASAC Tony Rodriguez of FDLE Orlando. Present, were high ranking representatives of the Orlando Police Dept., Chief Deputy Zweig of the Orange County Sherriff’s Office, FBI Orlando and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Also present were Rabbi Yosef Konikov, of Chabad Orlando and Director Baruch Sandhaus of Miami Dade Hatzalah. Additionally, Major Kevin McGinley Osceola County Sheriff’s Office participated in a phone conference with Rabbi Rosenberg regarding the influx of Jews to Orlando for Pesach. He ensured that his department will be working closely with the Jewish community should any issues arise.

Various important topics that will affect the religious community during their stay in Orlando were discussed as well as a comprehensive understanding of the holiday’s customs and restrictions. Each agency committed their assistance and support to facilitate a safe and joyous stay for these holiday guests.

Police Chaplain Mark Rosenberg spoke of a unique opportunity these agencies will have at their disposal, as over 70 members of Hatzalah from different states will be celebrating Passover within the Orlando community. Their presence will enhance safety as they will be available to assist in emergency situations and be a constant presence among those visiting Orlando during Passover. Miami Dade Hatzalah Director Baruch Sandhaus discussed the parameters and possible safety concerns of those visiting. Rabbi Konikov discussed various religious needs that may pertain to the large influx of Jewish visitors to the Orlando community.

“The Orlando Law Enforcement community is deeply dedicated towards the safety and success of those who will visit Orlando this Passover season. We all owe a debt of gratitude to their professionalism and concern in making this a beautiful stay for all,” explained CSE Director Mark Rosenberg.

Chaplain Rosenberg also thanked Chief Bill Hernandez of the North Miami Beach Police Dept., Major Cummings of the MDPD, Major Melcon of the MDPD airport district and their executive staff who has assured the Jewish community that safety and security will be a priority this Passover with increased patrols and additional police presence throughout various potential hotspots within the communities.

Chaplain Rosenberg explained that, “All of these departments have a long reputation of watching over their constituents and maintaining a layer of protection to those under their jurisdiction. We are proud of them. The purpose of these Pre Holiday meetings initiated by CSE is to inform the law enforcement community of the upcoming holidays, which includes handing out specialty calendars for LE as well as maps of shuls and information on rituals and restriction that make the job of law enforcement even more challenging. Yet, every year the law enforcement community goes the extra mile to ensure that these challenges are met and dealt with. Together, we examine the entire Holiday carefully and address each and every item that may arise. I admire and commend all of these agencies for spending so much time with us at these lengthy meetings. The Jewish community in Florida, unlike in the tri-state NY area, is spread out over hundreds of miles throughout the state, with each community having their own challenges and needs, involving specific law enforcement agencies that need to be informed of events taking place in their jurisdictions. And in every situation, these agencies always do an extraordinary job.

I would be remiss if did not mention our great governor, Governor Scott, who has put so much effort into the logistics and nuance of details regarding the needs of the Jewish communities throughout Florida. He has orchestrated great lines of communication between his office and the state agencies for all of these details to go smoothly, I also thank Rabbi Oirechman from Tallahassee who follows through and assist in arranging all of these meetings. May we all enjoy a festive and safe Passover holiday.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)