HONORS 4 NYPD OFFICIALS
THE IGUD HARABANIM (RABBINICAL ALLIANCE OF AMERICA, RAA) RECENTLY HELD THEIR ANNUAL ELUL SIYUM HASHAS AND HONORED FOUR NYPD OFFICIALS FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW YORK. THE RECIPIENTS OF THE RAA’S PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS WERE POLICE COMMISSIONER DERMOT SHEA, CHIEF OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS JEFFREY MADDREY, DEPUTY INSPECTOR RICHIE TAYLOR, AND CHAPLAIN IMAM DR. TAHIR.
The ceremony was held at Rabbi Eliyahu Elbaz’s Shul, the Sephardic Lebanese Congregation on Avenue T in Brooklyn. The Rabbinical Alliance of America was founded in 1942 and has over 800 members across North America. It also operates its own binding bet din.
Elected officials in attendance included Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, Councilman Kalman Yeger, representing Mayor Bill de Blasio was Assistant Commissioner Pinny Ringel, representing US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke was Gabriel Torres. Eli Slavin presented Congressional Proclamations to the honorees. Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Vice President of the Igud served as MC, Rabbi Michael Melnicke served as Dinner Chair and NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel served as Chair of the Organizing Committee. The siyum was made by Rabbi Shaul Kassin, and the Hascholas Hashas by Rabbi Leibel Wulliger, Rosh HaKollel, Nachas Dovid, Yeshiva Torah Vodaath in Brooklyn. Rabbi Yaakov Klass serves as the Presidium member of the RAA, Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht serves as Convocation Chairman.
Commissioner Dermot Shea said, “we are going to get New York City back to where we want it to be. We need everyone’s help. We need help from our clergy, we need help from the private sector, we need help from elected officials, and we’re getting it. We’ve seen terrible things in this city before, and we’ve gotten to incredible heights. I’ll say to Jeff, to Richie, to Imam Tahir, we couldn’t do it without you and congratulations on your recognition. We are going to take this city back to those incredible heights, I have no doubt. In the spirit of togetherness, and where do you know the spirit of togetherness better than in Brooklyn. If there’s a hate crime against an Asian individual it’s a hate crime against us all. If there is a hate crime against a Jewish individual it’s a hate crime against us all. If there’s a hate crime against a Muslim individual it’s a hate crime against us all. And in the spirit of what we have seen this year, New Yorkers standing up together, is why I have no doubt that we will get New York City back to where we want it to be.”
Chief of Community Affairs Jeffrey Maddrey stated, “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Rabbinical Alliance of America, an organization that builds the community through its love of G-d and its love of people. The NYPD and the Jewish community enjoy a strong relationship.Here’s to many more years of friendship.”
Deputy Inspector Richie Taylor spoke about Hakarat Hatov (appreciation for good). “When I was a regular police officer studying for the sergeants exam in 2008, I evaluated many instructors, but one instructor stood out. At the time, he held the rank I currently hold, Deputy Inspector. Commissioner Dermot Shea was that instructor and I used to travel over an hour each way to attend his classes. He taught from the heart and he ensured that his students were prepared, because even back then he cared immensely about the future of his students, the police department, and New York City. When the four shuls in Riverdale had bricks thrown through their windows a few months ago, Commissioner Shea was hands-on, calling me and visiting the shuls. When we saw violent hate crimes against Jewish individuals, just a couple months ago in Flatbush and Boro Park, I was constantly on the phone with Commissioner Shea and Chief Maddrey who came to the community to ensure that community members were safe, and felt safe.”
DI Taylor also stated that he worked for Chief Jeffrey Maddrey as a sergeant, lieutenant, captain and now deputy inspector and credits Chief Maddrey for his hands-on leadership and for mentoring him in the best way possible. He further acknowledged his wife Miri, who attended just a week after giving birth to their fifth child, for her unwavering support.
NYPD Chaplain Imam Dr. Tahir stated “when I came from Egypt to the United States, the first community that welcomed me and gave me a microphone to speak to an American audience was the Jewish community and I am honored to be here. We love New York and we love our Jewish brothers and sisters. Happy and blessed Rosh Hashanah.”
NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel said “I’ve worked closely with both, the Rabbinical Alliance of America and each of the four honorees and I stand here proudly as we join together for the betterment of our city and our future generations. Even during the toughest of times, in unity we will always prevail.”
