ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – This past week the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Rockland County, and police chaplain David Heskiel joined together by bringing pastries and sponsoring meals to each of the five police departments located in Rockland County.

The group was welcomed by each of the departments including Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police Troop F, and the Ramapo, Haverstraw and Clarkstown police departments

During these most difficult of times, the delegation of Jewish communal organizations believed it necessary and appropriate to demonstrate to local law enforcement recognition our valued partnership in combating hate and appreciation for the sacrifices made every day in protecting the Rockland County community.

“No words seem adequate enough to express our gratitude and admiration for the brave woman and men who run towards danger to selflessly save others,” said Steve Gold, Co-President of Federation and Foundation of Rockland County.

“Rockland County has not only been an epicenter for the pandemic, but it has been simultaneously a focal point of the age-old virus of anti-Semitism. The Jewish community in Rockland County has had a real need for protection and the law enforcement agencies that we visited all deserve our gratitude for their efforts, their sacrifices, putting themselves in harm’s way for our benefit,” said Michael Cohen, Eastern Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

The pastries were generously donated by Rivkie Feiner of Universal Communications Network in conjunction with Rabbi Yisroel Kahan and Hava Java. The meals were donated by Mr. Heskiel, a member of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Rockland Community Relations Council and by Chickies – www.chickiesfood.com – owner Rafi Trietel.