COJO Pre-Shavous Food Distribution

On June 1, 2022, at the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan located in the New Springville section of Staten Island the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations held its pre-Shavous food distribution. Dairy products, cheese and fish took center stage as the food distribution focused on foods that are traditionally associated with the holiday.

Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO began by thanking Rabbi Aharon Zeev and President Reuven Oshri and the Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan family for hosting and supporting this important Pre-Shavuos Food Distribution. “Its is thanks to the generosity of Aur Torah, that made possible this important pre-Shavous food distribution. Our secrete is Aur Torah’s Iva Reuven who serves as the COJO Service Committee Chairperson. Her wisdom, understanding and loving heart to help is the energy and passion behind the distribution’s success. Thank You Iva for assembling such a great team of civic minded volunteers who work hand in hand with Terry Troia, president of Project Hospitality and with Gloria Novoa, Director of Volunteers at Project Hospitality. This dream team is amazing it is diversity and unity and love in action. Thank you Terry you dream of making this world a better place is becoming real.”

Mirocznik, further thanked the generous COJO Food Pantry partners who made this Pre Shavuos  food drive and distribution possible. Mirocznik thanked in particular Met Council, David G. Greenfield, CEO and Executive Director of Met Council, Aaron Cyperstein, Associate Council and Director of External Affairs of Met Council, Jessica Chait, Managing Director of Food Programs at Met Council, Benjamin Zaientz, Quality Specialist at Met Council and Rebecca Glass, Met Council Pantry Coordinator for their support, encouragement and generosity and for their collaboration with COJO, NYPD and Project Hospitality in making this important Pre-Shavous food distribution a reality. 

Mirocznik, thanked Ari Weiss, COJO Security Chairman and Coordinator of Staten Island Shomrim for working with the NYPD and Captain Eric Waldhelm, Commanding officer of Pct. 121 together with his wonderful officers, Sgt. Charles Kosa, Officer Anthony Crecca, Officer James Taylor, Officer Sean Mondello and Officer John Sibal in not only helping with traffic but with the distribution of the food packages as well. Captain Waldhelm remarked, “the NYPD is proud to partner with COJO and we look forward to these important events to further improve the quality of life for Staten Island and the opportunity to connect with the communities we proudly serve and to help build deeper and stronger relationships.”

 “We are pleased to partner with  Met Council, Food Bank NYC and City Harvest on this important initiative to provide not just food for Shavuous but for ongoing food assistance to our community members in need” stated Iva Reuven, Chairperson, COJO Service Committee. “I am particularly proud of my Service Committee and their dedication to help alleviate food insecurity in Staten Island. I truly feel blessed to work with  Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO, Scott Maurer, CEO and Executive Vice-President of COJO, Terry Troia, president of Project Hospitality and Gloria Nova, Director Volunteers of Project Hospitality for their help and assistance. It truly is an honor to work with such great partners in arms. Hopefully, there will be a turn around and the economy will improve and the need for pantry services will dissipate. However, COJO and my hardworking team are committed to the long haul, and I want to assure Staten Island that we will continue to do whatever is necessary to help as best as we can.”

Rabbi Ahaon Zeev commented, “As Rabbi of Aur Torah, I am proud of my Synagogue and truly pleased with the work of COJO, Mendy Mirocznik, Scott Maurer, Terry Troia, Gloria Nova and our special treasure Iva Reuven. I am proud of how COJO, Project Hospitality and the NYPD work together for the welfare of our borough. I am honored to call Staten Island home. We truly have some great people who dare to care loving here. These people inspire me as a Rabbi.”