COJO-SI Helps to Prepare for Rosh Hashanah with Its 46th 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 and City Harvest. On hand was the dream team of Terry Troia, president, Project Hospitality, Gloria Novoa, director of volunteers, Project Hospitality, Mendy Mirocznik, president, COJO, Scott Maurer, CEO and executive vice-president, COKO, and Iva Reuven, chairperson, COJO Service Committee, whose advocacy and support made 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 Sunday, September 25 to the evening of September 27.

This year marks the 46th 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 Sept. 22 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 Aharon 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, Prosper Elfassy for not only hosting the food distribution but for actively working it as well.

Mirocznik, thanked Inspector Richard Taylor, commanding officer, NYPD Community Affairs Bureau Community Outreach Division, Lt. Rafet Awad, commanding officer, Community Affairs, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Patrol, Detective Marry Kelly, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Lt. Mark Molinari, executive officer, Pct. 121, Officer Tom Frasca, Pct. 121, and Officer James Taylor, Pct. 121 for being on hand and for their hard work and dedication to the food distribution. Mirocznik thanked Ari Weiss, COJO Security Chairman and Coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim for coordinating with the NYPD and for their help in making the food distribution a smooth and successful event.  

Also, on hand in showing support and volunteering was Pinny Hikind, representing New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, Fitim Shabani, representing New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Pesach Osina, representing New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams

"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 Terry Troia, president of Project Hospitality. "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 Iva Reuven. 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 who blended with the COJO team under the leadership of Iva Reuven for helping to organize and coordinating this important food distribution. Mirocznik stated that it is no secret that COJO the NYPD 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, the NYPD 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 46th COJO food give away a success. Mirocznik specially acknowledged David Greenfield, Aaron Cyperstein, Jessica Chait 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 the difficult time of Covid 19 as well as in this transitionary return to a healthier normal. They truly have made a difference in the lives of many people. Their warmth and love are noted and appreciated. Thanks to Met Council, COJO was able to successfully assist our constituency. I am terrified to think where we would be without the assistance of Met Council. We at COJO cannot thank them enough. I boldly say there are not sufficient word that I can say in thanking Met Council. We at COJO look forward to our continued partnership and collaborations in this important battle against hunger and food insecurity. May the new year be one full of blessings and the plenty.”

Scott 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.”