[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The third annual Pre-Summer Community Leader’s Conference, arranged by the New Jersey State Police, was held on Tuesday at FBI headquarters in Newark, New Jersey. Over one hundred members of law enforcement and over one hundred community leaders representing various faith based groups and organizations were in attendance to discuss community related concerns.

Opening up the meeting was Major Gerald Lewis, Commanding Officer of the New Jersey State Police Community Affairs, who thanked everyone for participating and making the trip to FBI headquarters – and thanked FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Ward for hosting the conference. Major Lewis expressed the importance of this annual meeting between community leaders, clergy members, and law enforcement, so that all issues regarding upcoming summer vacations and events can be addressed. Major Lewis also expressed his gratitude to Colonel Joseph Fuentes, superintendent for the NJSP, for personally attending the conference and his continued support for community affairs outreach.

Special Agent Michael Ward thanked all the attendees for their participation, and urged everyone in attendance to work together with the community. He informed articipants that the FBI is continuing its efforts on cyber security, counterterrorism and more. Superintendent Fuentes explained the importance of community relations and affairs to his agency, and pointed to the fact that with each year, attendance at the pre-summer conference continues to grow, thanks to the positive working relationship that exists between the NJSP and community leaders.

Rabbi Shlomo Gertzulin, Vice President of Finance and Administration at Agudath Israel of America, discussed the plans for the upcoming Siyum Hashas, which will take place on August 1st at Met Life Stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands, with 90,000 people expected to be in attendance. Rabbi Gertzulin reported that the Agudah is coordinating all details of the event with the NJSP and law enforcement agencies and discussed the details of the event.

Deputy Director Jenna Scott from the Department of Homeland Security, who said she was honored to be part of this important conference, assured all those present that the Obama administration continues to maintain their vigilance on all homeland security matters and that the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, has a special division dedicated exclusively to community affairs.

In conclusion NJSP chaplains Rabbi Abe Freidman and Rabbi Yosef Carlebach thanked the NJSP, especially Major Lewis, Colonel Fuentes and Special Agent Ward for hosting the annual conference, an event that serves to enhance community relations.

“The community is extremely thankful to all members of law enforcement, both state and federal, for their sensitivity to all religious communities,” said Rabbi Abe Friedman.

In attendance were many community leaders all across New York and New Jersey, including heads of many organizations representing different communities. All in attendance stated their utmost satisfaction with the conference.

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos by Hillel Engel.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)