COJO Kicks Off Fall 2021 Food Distribution

On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan located in the New Springville section of Staten Island, the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO) launched its Fall 2021 food distribution.

“Although, we have made progress on the pandemic and cautiously there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel, food insecurity is a sad and frightening reality. Between the increase in food pricing and the shortage of products on the market, the emergency need is unfortunately still here. Besides, prior to the pandemic there was an ongoing food need that COJO was struggling with, the pandemic dramatically intensified the food need bringing together a base of additional people who were unable to access food because of the pandemic or became burdened by the dramatic and soaring increase in the expense of food and found themselves in need. The aim and mission of COJO continues to be to meet these vexing challenges as best as we can” so stated Mendy Mirocznik, president, COJO.

Mirocznik, continued “COJO’s success lies in our collaboration with Terry Troia, the venerable president of Project Hospitality and her great team, Met Council and the COJO Service Committee headed by Iva Reuven, a passionate advocate who truly cares. In addition, our base of support from the community, Rabbi Aharon Zeev, spiritual leader and President Oshri Reuven, and the membership of Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan of Staten Island for being great hosts and supporters of the COJO Food Pantry. This coming together of unity helps build community which gets the job done.”

Mirocznik, further thanked the NYPD, Chief Frank Vega, Staten Island Borough commander and Inspector Bruce Ceparano, commanding officer, Pct. 121 for their ongoing and continued support and partnership. “This evening alone, Sgt. Charles Kosa, Officer Anthony Crecca and Officer Jimmy Taylor  of Pct. 121 came, assisted and coordinated with Ari Weiss, COJO security chairman and coordinator of Staten Island Shomrim  with traffic and gave a hand with distributing food packages. This is what makes Staten Island special, the care and respect we have to help one another as family. Again, this is all thanks to the passion and vision of Terry Troia who made this vison of friendship a reality”

Rabbi Aaron Zeev remarked, “that the food distributions have made our Congregation a better place. It allows for our families to get involved in Chesed, acts of charity, kindness, and good deeds. This world has faced many challenges and is short of vitamin love. The food distribution restores and replenishes that love with an energy of hope and passion and this positive vibe makes us better people in these daunting times. Thanks to Terry Troia, Mendy Mirocznik, Ari Weiss, Iva Reuven we have optimism and a spark of energy that will get us together through the gloomy times. This energy is the positive force that will help us revitalize the world once normalcy will be restored. However, one thing remains constant, as Rabbi of Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan of Staten Island, I am proud to say our Synagogue will continue to work with COJO and Project Hospitality to make this world a better place for all people. I emphasize and reiterate that this Mitzva is great, and we take on the challenge to help make this world a better place for all people. I know with the A-Mighty’s Help only we will succeed.”