STATEN ISLAND: COJO Hosts Pre-Pesach Safety Briefing with City Agencies [PHOTOS]

In preparation for the upcoming Pesach holiday, COJO of Staten Island held a security and community coordination meeting with leadership from the NYPD, FDNY, Staten Island Shomrim, Hatzolah, the Department of Sanitation, and the NYC Mayor’s Office, focusing on the safety and logistical needs of the Jewish community.

NYPD Assistant Chief Melissa Eger of Patrol Borough Staten Island assured community leaders that there is currently no credible threat. The NYPD is actively monitoring developments on both a national and global scale and stands ready to respond as needed. Chief Eger also acknowledged the ongoing leadership and communication efforts of COJO Security Chairman Ari Weiss, with whom she remains in constant contact.

FDNY Borough Commander Chief David Simms, recently appointed to lead Staten Island operations, confirmed that brush units will be stationed at all designated seraifas chametz fire locations. The FDNY will actively monitor these fires to ensure safety and will remain on standby throughout Pesach to address any potential incidents.

Sanitation Borough Chief Christopher Hancock announced that extra garbage pickups will be scheduled in Jewish neighborhoods beginning Monday and continuing through Erev Yom Tov. Additional accommodations will be made on Shabbos to handle last-minute chametz disposal, with sanitation teams ready to respond to community needs.

Chief Richie Taylor, Commanding Officer of the NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau, stated that although there are no threats at this time, the NYPD is maintaining heightened vigilance and will immediately notify community leaders if any concerns arise.

Fred Kreizman, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, expressed appreciation to the volunteers of Shomrim of Staten Island for their daily dedication and close collaboration with city agencies, particularly in preparation for Pesach and throughout the year.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs Mark Stewart emphasized that public safety remains a priority despite the lack of any imminent threats. He also noted his personal connection to the annual pre-Pesach meeting, which he attends regularly as part of the NYPD’s commitment to community engagement.

With the unified support of multiple city agencies, COJO of Staten Island continues to ensure that the community is well-prepared and secure for the Pesach season.