In June 1989, Police Officer Jeff Herman gave his life in the line of duty. A quarter of a century later, Magen David Yeshivah (MDY) honored his memory and legacy at a special dedication ceremony attended by his family, fellow officers from the 71st Precinct, and friends. The public park, directly across from the elementary school, was dedicated to Officer Herman in 1990. Bebe and Irene Herman, Officer Herman’s mother and widow, chose that playground as the one to be dedicated in his honor in 1990, because he loved to play baseball there with his fellow officers and also because he was raised nearby. Just before you walk in, there is a plaque stating that this park, where MDY students enjoy recess every day, is dedicated to his memory.
After discovering Officer Herman’s name on the sign, MDY Director of Student Life, Mr. Jamie Lassner, spoke to Detective Vincent Martinos, the Community Affairs Officer of the 71st Precinct, to find out a bit more about him for a special program at the school. During their discussions, Mr. Lassner was delighted that both Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector John Lewis and Detective Martinos were happy to offer their time to make the event memorable. When asked why he was so eager to take part in a ceremony for a comrade who fell 25 years ago, Detective Martinos said, “Jeff was my brother. We never forget a brother. Here at the NYPD, we are family.”
Officer Herman’s death impacted many lives: his police department family, as well as his immediate family. From this we learn a great life lesson. In good times and bad times, we are all brothers and sisters.
Though the students never met Officer Herman, they know that he’s a hero. They adopted four trees directly outside the park and dedicated a plaque next to them in his memory. The students also had the opportunity to express themselves about the event and what Officer Jeff Herman means to them. A book of letters written by students in grades 5 through 8 was presented to Mrs. Bebe Herman during the assembly. One letter, written by MDY 6th grader Sammy Kishk, concluded with “Every time I pass the trees, I will think of what your son did. You might think your son’s name is ordinary, but, in my school, your son is famous.”
Officer Herman’s mother and his widow thanked the MDY student body and staff for their outpouring of support and recognition of Officer Herman. After they spoke, they each received a bouquet of flowers.
Rabbi Saban and the MDY Boys Choir sing Hatikvah
At the special assembly, Officer Herman’s family and friends described him as a role model and a hero, who gave his life in order to protect many others. He is remembered as an example of commitment and outstanding citizenship. Rabbi Alan Berkowitz, Principal of Magen David Yeshivah Elementary School, said, “A hero—someone who dedicates himself and who gives his life to his community, who works to protect others, especially children— provides us with an opportunity to teach children what it means to be dedicated and what it means to be a citizen.”
Bebe and Irene Herman
Officer Herman was a role model to his fellow officers, too. Commanding Officer Lewis said, “Jeff was a role model to all. If you need a role model in life, go across the street to look at the sign. Officer Herman was a person I was inspired to be like.”
The students also watched a video about Officer Herman’s past and about the park, where hundreds of children play daily.
Russel Timoshenko’s mother greeted by MDY Security Chief Al Nunez
As Rabbi Berkowitz explained, “The park across the street, our park, carries Officer Herman’s name. You, our students, see it daily as you enter. Our community benefits every day from the legacy of Officer Herman and in recognition of this, and in his memory, we have chosen to add a measure of beauty to his park. We did not know Officer Herman, but we remember him. We express our gratitude to him and pledge to follow his example of commitment and outstanding citizenship.” Rabbi Berkowitz also made a connection between Officer Herman and the Patriarch Abraham, noting they both were committed to saving the lives of others and risked their lives to do so.
Commenting on the ceremony, MDY Security Chief Al Nunez noted that he was proud to have been a member of the NYPD for 18 years and is proud that his son is currently a police officer in the Gang Unit. “As a parent, Mrs. Herman’s words touch deep into my heart, as I think often that what tragically happened to her son could, G-d forbid, happen to my son. I was extremely moved by the students in my MDY family remembering a police officer who lived and died well before they were born. It really brought tears to my eyes.”
Mr. Lassner, Sammy Kishk and others, with their citations, at the 71st Precinct
Sammy Kishk’s 6th grade class recently attended another special program, at the 71st Precinct. There, Sammy, Rabbi Berkowitz, Linda Levy, Rochelle Beyda and Mr. Lassner received 71st Precinct Community Citations for the MDY program. Bebe Herman, who was also present, commented, “I agree with Irene, Jeff’s widow, that when we went to MDY we never expected such a memorable ceremony and we know Jeff is looking down with a smile at all the students playing in the playground.”
On the bus home, teacher Rachelli Schneider said, “My students developed a deeper appreciation for the NYPD, who protect and uphold our rights as Americans and as Torah observant Jews. The students made a wonderful Kiddush Hashem by showing their respect and derech eretz (good character) truly representing who we are at MDY.”
In June 1989, Police Officer Jeff Herman gave his life in the line of duty. A quarter of a century later, Magen David Yeshivah (MDY) honored his memory and legacy at a special dedication ceremony attended by his family, fellow officers from the 71st Precinct, and friends. The public park, directly across from the elementary school, was dedicated to Officer Herman in 1990. Bebe and Irene Herman, Officer Herman’s mother and widow, chose that playground as the one to be dedicated in his honor in 1990, because he loved to play baseball there with his fellow officers and also because he was raised nearby. Just before you walk in, there is a plaque stating that this park, where MDY students enjoy recess every day, is dedicated to his memory.
Though the students never met Officer Herman, they know that he’s a hero. They adopted four trees directly outside the park and dedicated a plaque next to them in his memory. The students also had the opportunity to express themselves about the event and what Officer Jeff Herman means to them. A book of letters written by students in grades 5 through 8 was presented to Mrs. Bebe Herman during the assembly. One letter, written by MDY 6th grader Sammy Kishk, concluded with “Every time I pass the trees, I will think of what your son did. You might think your son’s name is ordinary, but, in my school, your son is famous.”
