Dear Friend:

As a result of the rise in anti-Semitic hate crime such as the recent hostage taking incident at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, many of our member organizations have requested that COJO take the lead in helping to craft a special security meeting that would have a serious focus on hostage taking and negotiating. To this end, COJO is delighted and proud to announce that in conjunction with Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon and the NYPD that a special, “Security and Hostage Negotiation Training” will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 6PM at the Jewish Community Center located at 1466 Manor Road, Staten Island, New York.

Among the featured speakers will be Hon. Michael E. McMahon, Richmond County District Attorney, NYPD Deputy Chief Gin Yee, Staten Island Borough Commander and Mr. David Nilsen, Chief Detective Investigator, Office of Richmond County District Attorney.

Lt. David Nilsen is a decorated 27-year veteran of the NYPD. Nilsen served as Commanding Officer of the NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team and was known at the NYPD as a master negotiator with expertise in crises intervention, hostage negotiation and resolution. Mr. Nilsen will be providing insight in how to handle crises intervention and negotiations. We pray that this need and skill will never be a reality or needed, but as a community we must be practical and be as best prepared as possible.

We encourage all Rabbis, Synagogue Presidents, Board Members and Community Leaders to attend this vital workshop. We further encourage that people who regularly attend prayer services, principals, administrators, and teachers in Yeshivas and Hebrew Schools to also attend to become familiar with the important topics that will be discussed.

I have attached a copy of the event flier to this email. Please share it with your congregants, friends and any individual who may benefit from attending this important informational program.

It is imperative that we as a community must be proactive and must take all appropriate precautions that will enhance the safety and security of our community.

Please advise me if you will be able to attend.

Sincerely.

Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik