On November 13, the Rabbinical Alliance of America—Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis—convened its Rosh Chodesh Kisleiv Conference at Khilah Marine Park, Brooklyn, New York, where RAA’s esteemed member, Rabbi Baruch Pesach Mendelson, serves as the rabbi. The conference was sponsored by Rabbi Gil Student, the RAA’s Halacha Commission Director. In honor of the occasion, Rabbi Student gave an erudite Dvar Halacha on the issues involving military combat on Shabbos and traced its origins to the Chashmonaim, the exalted Maccabees of the Chanukah story.

Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, the RAA’s Executive Vice-President, opened the session with the recitation of the prayers for the American government, Israeli Defense Forces and for the approximately 240 captives held by the barbaric Hamas terror organization. Mirocznik opened, that “as we gather here this evening, we pray for the United States and for Israel, as both countries face the danger of Hamas, an opponent to the entire free democratic world. We pray for the safe return of all hostages, and that the Al-mighty shield and protect the Israeli Defense Forces as they sweep through Hamas and obliterate them. We pray that the Al-mighty protect all innocent civilians and that He casts His canopy of peace so that this conflict ends in an expeditious fashion with the absolute and complete destruction of the Hamas terror organization. May He have mercy and bring a day in which peace and tranquility become the new world order.” 

Mirocznik then introduced Inspector Richard Taylor, Commanding Officer, Community Affairs, who presented a security briefing to the rabbis in attendance. Inspector Taylor explained that, “there are no credible threats to the city due to the hostilities caused by Hamas. Nevertheless, the NYPD has enhanced its patrol and its presence citywide especially around synagogues, houses of worship, schools and known community buildings to ensure that New Yorkers feel safe.” Taylor emphasized that, “Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Caban take the safety of the city and the particular needs of the Jewish community seriously and have tasked the NYPD to be on high alert. It truly makes the difference when City Hall and the NYPD work hand in hand and it is important to the NYPD that we know we have a mayor who understands.” Upon the completion of Inspector Taylor’s security briefing, Rabbi Mirocznik who was joined by Rabbi Yaakov (Jacob) Klass, President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America and Torah Editor of the Jewish Press, presented to Lt. Joseph Abdelmessih and Officer Tommy Gallina, two exemplary police officers working under Inspector Taylor’s command, Rabbinical Alliance of America Citations of Honor recognizing their extraordinary police service during these harrowing times. Mirocznik stated, “all police officers are heroes and we at the Rabbinical Alliance of America always tell our congregants that when you see a police officer to thank them for their service. Tonight, we pay tribute to two extraordinary officers whose dedication exemplifies superior efforts. We want the NYPD to know that the Rabbinical Alliance of America appreciates your dedication to the safety of the city and to the particular needs of the Jewish community.”

Mirocznik went on to address issues of antisemitism. Sadly, since the Hamas massacre of Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) has recorded a significant spike in antisemitic incidents across the United States. Data from ADL Center on Extremism indicates that reported incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault increased by 388 percent over the same period last year. ADL recorded a total of 312 antisemitic incidents between Oct. 7-23, 2023, 190 of which were directly linked to the war in Israel and Gaza. By comparison, during the same period in 2022. 

“When conflict erupts in Israel, antisemitic incidents soon follow in the U.S. and globally,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “From white supremacists in California displaying antisemitic banners on highway overpasses to radical anti-Zionists harassing Jewish people because of their real or perceived support for the Jewish state, we are witnessing a disturbing rise in antisemitic activity here while the war rages overseas.”

The Rabbinical Alliance of America therefore thanks our local elected representatives such as Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul for their support of Israel and for taking tough stands against antisemitism. 

With the passionate speech he gave days after the Hamas massacre on Oct 7, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City demonstrated to the world his commitment and love for Israel.

He said, “We are not alright when we see young girls pulled from their home and dragged through the streets. We are not alright when we see grandmothers being pulled away from their homes and children shot in front of their families. We are not alright when right here in the City of New York you have those who celebrate at the same time when the devastation is taking place in our city…

“We will not be alright until every person responsible for this act is held accountable… Hamas must be disbanded and destroyed immediately… I’m here today to say not only am I the chief executive of this city, but I’m your brother. Your fight is my fight.”

Jewish people everywhere felt his sincerity, that he is a brother, and “your fight is my fight.”

Mirocznik emphasized, “that besides the mayor’s fiery speech in support of Israel and his head-on tackling of anti-Semitism, the mayor has convened numerous security briefings with the Jewish community and has ordered the NYPD to increase its patrols and presence at our synagogues and schools. The mayor practices what he preaches and he truly is a man of action. We at the Rabbinical Alliance of America appreciate his friendship and concern and we are confident that we will overcome the scourge of hate in no small thanks to his strong leadership.”

Mirocznik then went on to thank New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who recently spoke at AJC’s Board of Governors meeting where she reaffirmed her support for Israel, condemned the surge of Jew-hatred in New York and beyond, and denounced violent and destructive protests that put all of society at risk. She said, “The fear that has been unleashed on an entire community is beyond reprehensible to me as the Governor of this state.” She emphasized that “every single citizen of this state is entitled to have that sense of security. We owe that to them.”

Governor Hochul took decisive action when she addressed vandalism in New York’s Grand Central Terminal and the recent online threats from a Cornell University student. She directed State Police to investigate death threats made to Jewish students which led to the arrest of a perpetrator involved in this heinous act. The governor has also stepped-up anti-terrorism efforts in New York, in response to a rise in hate crimes and growing incidents of harassment, following the October 7 violence in Israel.

Mirocznik, on behalf of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, praised Governor Hochul’s support of the Jewish community and stated, “that the bold leadership demonstrated by Governor Hochul is the needed path to defeat antisemitism and hate. We thank the governor for taking a tough stand against antisemitism and for her support of Israel.”

Mirocznik concluded by calling on the United States House of Representatives and Senate to fund Israel and restock its supplies of Iron Dome and necessary ammunition to ensure that Israel can continue to be strong in its defense. The Rabbinical Alliance of America cannot emphasize enough the need to maintain support for Israel as a non-partisan issue and that members of both major parties must continue to support military aid to Israel. To date, the House leadership under Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, as well as the Senate leadership under  Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, stand behind Israel. We must take care not to allow partisan differences on domestic issues or other foreign policy issues to be the condition of aid to Israel. We at the Rabbinical Alliance of America continue to stress the need to keep Israel security as its own independent issue, placing it above the fray of political disagreements. As America’s true ally in a volatile region of the world, the lack of proper military equipment places Israel, America, freedom and democracy in harm’s way which works against our national security issues. While we commend Congress and the Senate for supporting Israel, we cannot drag Israel into a situation which potentially can be harmful to its defense.”

Also participating in the conference was Rabbi Yaakov Klass, Presidium Chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America, Torah Editor, The Jewish Press; Rabbi Dr. Hanania Elbaz, Presidium Member, Rabbinical Alliance of America, Ahi Ezer Yeshiva Synagogue of Ocean Parkway; Rabbi Moish Schmerler, Executive Director, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, Vice-President for Professional Development and External Affairs, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Gil Student, Director, Halacha Commission, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Baruch Pesach Mendelson, Khilah Marine Park, and Rebbe YUHSB-MTA; Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel of America; Rabbi Abraham Hecht, Jewish Community Council of Canarsie; Rabbi Yisroel Kahan, ADL, Member Human Rights Commission, Rockland County and Oizrim Relief Organization; Rabbi Harry (Tzvi) Berkowitz, Chief Chaplain Metropolitan Transit Authority (Retired), Chief Chaplain at the NYS Fraternal Order of police, and founder and director of Universal Jewish Police Association; Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Rosh Kollel , Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary, Congregation AA Sfard, Canarsie; Rabbi Kalman Sodden; Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center; Rabbi Shlomo Segal, Kehillat Moshe, Sheepshead Bay; Mr. Gil Cygler, American Jewish Committee; and Kings County District Leader Igor Galanter; (45th Assembly District). 

 
PICTURES BELOW VIDEO

Names in Pictures

Picture (1) Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel of America

Picture (2) Rabbi Yaakov Klass, president, Rabbinical Alliance of America and Torah Editor, The Jewish Press

Picture (3) Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America

Picture (4)  Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; and Rabbi Gil Student, director, Halacha Commission, Rabbinical Alliance of America

Picture (5) Left to Right, Rabbi Abraham Hecht, executive director, Jewish Community Council of Canarsie; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; and Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel of America

Picture (6) Left to Right, Officer Tommy Gallina, Community Affairs Bureau; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Lt. Joseph Abdelmessih; Community Affairs Bureau; and Inspector Richie Taylor, commanding officer, Community Affairs Bureau 

Picture (7) Left to Right, Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel of America; Mr. Gil Cygler, American Jewish Committee; Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Officer Chris Alvarado, Community Affairs Bureau; Officer Tommy Gallina, Community Affairs Bureau; Rabbi Dr. Hanania Elbaz, presidium member, Rabbinical Alliance of America, Ahi Ezer Yeshiva Synagogue of Ocean Parkway; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Lt. Joseph Abdelmessih; Community Affairs Bureau; Inspector Ruchie Taylor, commanding officer, Community Affairs Bureau; Inspector Ruchie Taylor, commanding officer, Community Affairs Bureau; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, president, Rabbinical Alliance of America and Torah Editor, The Jewish Press

Picture (8) Left to Right, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Rosh Kollel, Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary, Congregation AA Sfard, Canarsie; Mr. Gil Cygler, American Jewish Committee; Rabbi Gil Student, director, Halacha Commission, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Kalman Sodden; Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center; Officer Chris Alvarado, Community Affairs Bureau; Rabbi Abraham Hecht, executive director, Jewish Community Council of Canarsie; Officer Tommy Gallina, Community Affairs Bureau; Rabbi Moishe Cohen, administrative assistant, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Akiva Homnick, NYS Chaplain Group; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Lt. Joseph Abdelmessih; Community Affairs Bureau; Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, president, Rabbinical Alliance of America and Torah Editor, The Jewish Press; Inspector Richie Taylor, commanding officer, Community Affairs Bureau; Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel of America; and Rabbi Yisroel Kahan, ADL, Member Human Rights Commission, Rockland County and Ozarim Relief Organization

Picture (9) Left to Right, Rabbi Gil Student, director, Halacha Commission, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Moish Schmerler, executive director, Rabbinical Alliance of America; and Rabbi Yaakov Klass, president, Rabbinical Alliance of America and Torah Editor, The Jewish Press

Picture (10) Rabbi Shlomo Segal, Kehillat Moshe, Sheepshead Bay; Kings County District Leader Igor Galanter; (45th Assembly District); Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president, Rabbinical Alliance of America; Rabbi Yaakov Klass, president, Rabbinical Alliance of America and Torah Editor, The Jewish Press; Rabbi Baruch Pesach Mendelson, Khilah Marine Park, and Rebbe YUHSB-MTA; , Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Rosh Kollel, Ayshel Avraham Zichron Yaakov Rabbinical Seminary, Congregation AA Sfard, Canarsie; Rabbi Kalman Sodden; Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center; Rabbi Yehuda (Leonard) Blank, vice-president for Professional Development and External Affairs, Rabbinical Alliance of America; and Rabbi Yisroel Kahan, ADL, Member Human Rights Commission, Rockland County and Ozarim Relief Organization