Young Israel of Staten Island Sukkot Carnival Brought Smiles to Many

Mobs of laughing children and happy parents watching the kids enjoy the bounce houses and game truck as they snacked on popcorn, pizza and ices was the Sukkot social scene at the park of the Young Israel of Staten Island (YISI) the location of the October 14, YISI Sukkot Carnival. In appreciation of Sukkot being the Zman Simchasaynu, Rabbi Yaakov Lehrfield, Rabbi Joshua Sturm and President Robert Rosenberg tasked Yoni and Miriam Laykin the dynamic youth directors if Young Israel with the responsibility of mobilizing the energetic Young Israel youth to come out in full force and to create a fun fill way to appreciate Sukkot in the park with the family.

Mendy Mirocznik, president of the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO), thanked, “Rabbi Lehrfield, Rabbi Joshua Sturm, President Rosenberg, the board and youth department for having the vision of brining the Staten Island community together as one. The entire community came together as one to celebrate Sukkot, young old, parents and grandparents were at sight appreciating each other’s company, renewing old friendships making new friendships all at the Sukkot Carnival. Young Israel has been the trailblazer for the community for the past 56 years and this year’s carnival was done in that fine tradition of love and unity. Young Israel continues to lead the way in creating a warm great community and I must say how proud I am to be a member of such a dynamic congregation. Thank you Young Israel for truly making the Carnival a truly special and memorable event.” 

Mirocznik further thanked, Empire BlueCross and BlueShield for their generous sponsorship and partnership. In particular Mirocznik thanked Carina Vizhnay, special events coordinator and Gary Tai, community relations and field marketing, “…for being on hand and participating in the event. Not only were they instrumental in securing the sponsorship, but they came and participated and enhanced the carnival. Thank you Carina and Gary for being not only dynamic partners, but truly amazing friends and collaborators”.

Mirocznik concluded by thanking Ari Weiss, COJO Security chairman, and coordinator Staten Island Shomrim for teaming up with the NYPD, Captain Eric Waldhelm, commanding officer, Pct. 121; Department Chaplain Tahir Kukai, Lt. Rafet Awad, commanding officer, Community Affairs, Patrol Borough Staten Island, Lt. Mark Brinadze, Pct. 121, Officer Daniel Murro, Pct. 121, Community Affairs Officer John Sibal, Pct. 121, Community Affairs Officer Scott Gusenfitter, Pct.121, Community Affairs Officer Christina Bungay, Pct. 123, Community Affairs Officer Michelle Flynn, Pct. 123 and Officer Jose Alucea, who together with Inspector Ronald McCall, Community Affairs-Community Outreach Division and his team consisting of Officer Thomas Gallina, Officer Jonathan Meo, Detective Salvatore Ferrante and Officer Lenford Gouldbourne for manning the fun filled game truck. It truly is amazing the important community partnership we have here in Staten Island and COJO appreciates and cherishes this relationship which is a model of community and NYPD working hand in hand.

Captain Eric Waldhelm on behalf of the NYPD remarked, “we at the NYPD cannot thank COJO and its leadership team enough represented by its venerable leader Mendy Mirocznik for helping us build community bonds, trust and confidence. Whether it is food distributions, community meetings or the Sukkot Carnival, COJO is out there bringing people together. From a policing perspective this leads to a trust and mutual understanding and respect which only leads to a better quality of life for everyone, thank you COJO for including the NYPD and welcoming us as partners.”