Newark, NJ – In light of summer approaching, NJ State Police (NJSP) hosted their annual “Pre-Summer Community Leaders’ Conference” Monday at the FBI headquarters in Newark, New Jersey.

Over 70 police chiefs and NJ law enforcement agencies participated in conference where police and the community interact, and leaders of all faiths communicate their unique concerns regarding summer concerns. These include issues revolving around roadways, and include heavy travel dates, religious or cultural holidays, and specific large events.

In addition to the many police officials, leading Jewish community leaders were in attendance, including Hatzolah Coordinators, and the Misaskim organization.

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Opening the conference was Major Gerald Lewis, Commanding Officer of NJ State Police Community Affairs. Major Lewis first thanked FBI for allowing conference to take place at their facility in Newark, and then thanked FBI community Outreach Specialist Kim McDonald. He also pointed out his interest in having open door policy and completely open lines of communication with all religious leaders.

Lewis also introduced Lt Col. James Heartfield, whose presentation on counter terrorism was eye opening and fascinating. Heartfeld is a senior member of NJ state police and he demonstrated special tactics employed by law enforcement to protect mosques and shuls.

Homeland Security’s NJ Director Charles McKenna also addressed the conference, and his words were educational for all those in attendance.

A special prayer was delivered by Lakewood, NJ Mayor Menashe Miller. It was a call for the safety of local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel. Mayor Miller thanked the NJSP and other police agencies involved in protection and security for their sensitivity when it comes to cultural and religious mandates.

Mayor Menashe Miller is also a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, and just recently returned from a deployment in Iraq.

As in previous years, the NJSP and other local NJ state law enforcement will be out to enforce reckless driving and other moving violators. “At the same time we are prepared to accommodate and be helpful to the Jewish community needs, says Captain Gerald Lewis of the NJSP”. “With the great leadership of the NJSP and all members of the NJSP, we strive to accommodate vacationers to have a safe summer season”.

Other issues such as Friday traffic, fatal accidents, and other Jewish customs procedures, were discussed.

The meeting’s conclusion began with NJ State Police Chaplains Rabbi Yoseph Carlebach, Rabbi Yoseph Hershkowitz and Rabbi Abe Friedman, thanking the NJSP, FBI, Sheriff’s Departments and all involved in security for their tireless work serving NJ and its citizens.

When FBI community Outreach Specialist Kim McDonald spoke, she started by saying how she was honored for having been given the opportunity to speak at such a large gathering with so many agencies including sheriff’s departments. She also gave a short presentation on how the FBI is dealing with threats, and day to day issues pertaining to fighting terrorism.

“This was an example of Community leaders and Law enforcement working-hand-in hand for the safety of all,” said Menashe Miller,  Mayor for Lakewood NJ and US Military Chaplain.

“Community leaders and local volunteer organizations expressed sincere thanks to the NJSP leader-ship for hosting such important conference, and looking forward for a safe summer season”, said Rabbi Moses Indig a Police Chaplain.

It been estimated that over 100,000 travelers of the Jewish faith travel through New Jersey each weekend during the 9 weeks of the summer season.

(YWN Desk – NYC)