COJO-SI Helps to Prepare for Rosh Hashanah with Its 42nd Annual Pre-High Holiday Food Distribution

The Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) held its annual food giveaway in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. This important community services were made feasible with the generosity, support and partnership with Met Council, Project Hospitality, Food Bank for NYC, City Harvest and Assemblyman Michael Cusick. On hand was Assemblyman Charles Fall whose advocacy and support helped make this food give away the resounding success that it was. 

Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest holidays in the Hebrew calendar, is celebrated from sundown on Monday, September 6 to the evening of September 8.

This year marks the 42nd year that COJO has helped ensure all members of the Staten Island community can celebrate Rosh Hashanah in a dignified manner in accordance with Jewish traditions and customs.

The event took place on August 23, at the Aur Torah Sephardic Congregation of Staten Island, where over 1500 bags of food were distributed to those in need. Mendy Mirocznik, president of COJO thanked Rabbi Aaron Zeev, Spiritual Leader of the congregation as well as its leadership and devoted members who are true friends of all people. Mirocznik thanked Oshri & Iva Reuven, Elfassy Prosper for not only hosting the food distribution but for actively working it as well.

Mirocznik, thanked Scott Maurer, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice-President of COJO, and Iva Reuven and her hard-working team for being on hand and for their hard work and dedication to the food distribution. Mirocznik thanked the NYPD, Inspector Bruce Ceparano, the Commanding Officer of PCT. 121 and Captain Michael Galleta, the Executive Officer of PCT. 121 and their Neighborhood Coordinating Officers who coordinated with Ari Weiss, COJO Security Chairman and Coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim for their help in making the food distribution a smooth event. 

"For decades COJO of Staten Island has provided invaluable support and services to the people of Staten Island and this event is just another example of their dedication to bettering our community," said Assemblyman Michael Cusick. "I am always proud to be their partner in bringing events like this food giveaway to the people of Staten Island." COJO and Staten Island is fortunate to have at its leadership Mendy Mirocznik and Scott Maurer. Two energetic advocates who selflessly devout their time and energy in helping others.  

Mirocznik, president of COJO, shouted praises and acknowledged Terry Troia, president of Project Hospitality and her hard-working team for helping to organize and coordinating this important food distribution. Mirocznik stated that it is no secret that COJO and Project Hospitality have been collaborating in a very serious and meaningful way over the past few years. We have partnered up and as a team COJO and Project Hospitality have helped Staten Island in very significant ways. I am truly optimistic that our alliance will lead to greater accomplishments for the residents of Staten Island. It is thanks to Terry the driving force behind this great engine that we are succeeding in our mission in helping to make Staten Island a better place for its residents. I truly humbled an honored to call Terry a friend.

Mirocznik, further thanked Met Council, Food Bank for NYC and City Harvest for their generosity in helping to make the 42nd COJO food give away a success. Mirocznik specially acknowledged David Greenfield, Aaron Cyperstein, Jessica Chait, Rebecca Glass and Benjamin Zaintez as, “the dynamic team with a golden hear who truly care to help people not to worry about food insecurity. Words cannot express our deep gratitude and appreciation for their valiant efforts in helping Staten Island during this difficult time as we hopefully transition out of Covid. They truly have made a difference in the lives of many people. Their warmth and love are noted and appreciated.”

Scot Maurer, stated, "the COJO Rosh Hashanah Food Relief is just one component of our pantry that services all people of Staten Island. Our goal is to make sure that no person goes hungry in Staten Island.”