In a proactive effort to bolster community safety ahead of Pesach, the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Rockland County, through its Community Security Initiative (CSI), held its second annual pre-Pesach security briefing on Wednesday evening at Yeshiva of Spring Valley.
The event drew a strong turnout of community leaders, elected officials, law enforcement representatives, and heads of local organizations, all committed to working together to ensure the safety of the Rockland Jewish community during the Yom Tov season.
Ethan Erlich, Regional Security Director for the Community Security Initiative, coordinated the event. Speaking to Monsey Scoop, Erlich said, “With Pesach around the corner, our priority is making sure families across the community can prepare and celebrate with peace of mind. This briefing is a clear reminder that when law enforcement and community organizations work together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone.”
The security briefing included participation from local and federal law enforcement agencies such as the Rockland County Police Chief’s Association, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police Counterterrorism Intelligence Unit, and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Among the many notable attendees were Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht, Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco, Ramapo Police Department Captain Kevin Lee, Clarkstown Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker, Stony Point Police Chief Greg Becker, Haverstraw Police Chief John Gould, Orangetown Police Chief Donald Butterworth, and Spring Valley Police Chief Richard Oleszczuk. Also present were members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Chief of Detectives Deirdre Smith, Rockland Hatzoloh Coordinator Abe Rosenberg, Chaverim of Rockland Coordinator Yossi Margaretten, NSPS Coordinator Moshe Kaff, and representatives from New Square’s Ershte Hilf, including Yakov Yosef Sofer, Yakov Yosef Goldklang, and Yanky Brier. Yoely Lefkowitz attended on behalf of the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Community askanim and activists Yehuda Zorger, Meyer Tauber, and Yossi Gestetner were also in attendance.
Representing Congressman Mike Lawler was Senior Advisor Rafi Silberberg. Representing Senator Bill Weber were Michael Rydelek, the Senator’s Director of Constituent Services. Assemblyman Aron Wieder was represented by his Chief of Staff, Shlomo Kertzner.
Speakers included Ethan Erlich (CSI), Supervisor Michael Specht, Hershy Margaretten on behalf of Chaverim of Rockland, Rabbi Yisroel Kahan from the NY ADL, Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker representing the Rockland County Police Chiefs Association, Captain Kevin Lee of the Ramapo Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco, Chris from the CSI Intel Desk, and Rabbi Yehuda Wiener of Yeshiva of Spring Valley.
Each speaker stressed the critical importance of interagency coordination and the strong working relationship between law enforcement and the local community. They assured the public that there will be increased patrols and heightened security presence around shuls and Jewish institutions throughout the Pesach Yom Tov.
Special appreciation was given to organizations like Chaverim of Rockland, Hatzoloh of Rockland, and New Square’s Ershte Hilf, whose daily efforts remain essential to the safety and well-being of the community.
The evening served as another strong demonstration of the unity between law enforcement and the Rockland Jewish community, setting a reassuring tone ahead of the Yom Tov.
