The Executive Board wishes all our chapters, our members, our associate members, their families and our friends and supporters a very happy and healthy 5787. May you be written and sealed in the Book of Life for good health and happiness, success, mazal and prosperity. L’Shana Tova!
MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL SHOMRIM PRESIDENT BEN GELBER
I recently held a National Shomrim Zoom meeting and was pleased to see eight chapters represented. I would have like to see all our chapters represented, but it was still a good meeting with a discussion of very important issues that affect all our chapters. Recruitment is down in all departments and agencies and we believe that is due to the lack of encouragement from Jewish communities across the country, and sadly it’s hard to argue that fact. Law enforcement has been targeted by protesters, have been demonized by radical individuals, maligned by the media and, in some cases, physically assaulted. We had a frank discussion on ways of creating opportunities for recruitment, and several suggestions were put forth, including attending college fairs, working within our departments and agencies to have Human Resources understand the need for diversity, and to go out into our respective communities, to Jewish events, Jewish centers and speak to potential recruits on the incredible positive impacts we have had because of our presence.
Over the summer I organized thru my chapter, NYPD Shomrim, a fundraiser for Chai Lifeline, an organization that is near to my heart. We had children who were battling illnesses come to Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn and they were able to see and touch vehicles, helicopters, horses and all the tools we use to do our jobs. It was an incredible event that benefited a very worthy organization.
I am once again encouraging all chapters, their members and associate members to become active in National Shomrim. There will be an election for an upcoming Executive Board at the next National Shomrim convention and we are looking for new blood, fresh ideas and the next generation to take over and bring our organization to even greater prominence. As I mentioned in the previous newsletter, my term is coming to an end and our Corresponding Secretary, Betty Astrizky, who has served National Shomrim in her position for over 20 years, will also be stepping down. We need your input and your dedication so we can have a smooth transition. Please consider running for any position on the Board. Don’t let us down!
I am still planning on attending the National Shomrim convention in January 2027 with my brother Chanan. It’s a terrific experience and can’t say enough about the hard work that the convention co-chairpersons Marty Turetzky and Betty Astrizky put into it to make it successful. As I mentioned, Betty will be stepping down from this position as well and so we need someone who can help with planning future conventions. Please let us know if you can help.
As we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the aircraft that crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA, the pain of the tragedy remains as fresh as it was the day those murders occurred. The bravery of the crews of the aircrafts who fought off the hijackers, the immediate response from all first responders, the incredible assistance from ordinary people to try and help in any way they could continues to remind us that in spite of the challenges we face today, we are better than the evil that tries to infiltrate us in the worst way. May the memories of the murdered innocent souls continue to rest at the right hand of the Almighty.
NATIONAL SHOMRIM NEWS AND EVENTS
The date for final payment for the 2027 National Shomrim Convention at Sea is rapidly approaching. October 1, 2026, is the cutoff for all our members to make plans to attend. One that date passes, anyone wishing to join us will pay the full published fare, which is considerably higher than the reduced rate our official National Shomrim Cruise Planner Tony Lostumbo gets for us. You may not have any perks or your choice of a preferred cabin. So don’t delay, please contact Tony at cruisexpo@gmail.com or call him at (954) 258-0088 ASAP. We will be on the beautiful Celebrity Beyond cruise ship, sailing on January 17, 2027 from the Port of Ft. Lauderdale to the beautiful Caribbean ports of Nassau (Bahamas), Cozumel, Mexico (where we are planning a special group outing to meet with members of the Cozumel Fire Department and have lunch at the Chabad of Cozumel), and Grand Cayman. The Beyond will be refitted with new spaces, including a new pool deck, a new poolside bar and grill, a new Mexican-inspired poolside eatery, and a new Mediterranean restaurant on the Rooftop Garden serving brunch and dinner with ocean views. Technical upgrades will also have been made to the ship to optimize performance and reliability. We have one speaker lined up and are looking for others to give short presentations as part of our Signature Speaker Series, and of course our Shabbat service, our private cocktail party and so much more. So don’t delay! Book your cabin now!
As mentioned in the President’s message above, the next Executive Board will be elected at the convention. If you are interested in any position on the Board, please email the National Shomrim President at gelber72pct@gmail.com. The current Executive Board is as follows:
- President – Ben Gelber
- Executive Vice President – Dave Rosenzweig
- First Vice President – David Appel
- Second Vice President – Jeff Grossman
- Treasurer – Marty Turetzky
- Corresponding Secretary – Betty Astrizky
- Recording Secretary – Scot Pomerantz
- Sergeant-at-Arms – Jonathan Schneider
- Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms – Stacy Barasch
- Marshall – Jacob Shrybman
The positions that will be open for any candidate are President and Corresponding Secretary. Incumbents can move up one position if they so desire. Please submit your name for consideration for any position to the National Shomrim President at gelber72pct@gmail.com no later than October 4, 2026. A slate must be presented 90 days prior to the convention, so please do not hesitate in putting your name forward or nominating a member. Associate members, you are also eligible to fill any position that you feel can help the organization. Nominations will be accepted from the floor of the convention as well.
National Shomrim is also looking to make donations to organizations in Israel that will help support them in the current war effort. Larger organizations, such as Magen David Adom, Jewish National Fund and Hatzolah receive very large donations from major Jewish organizations and wealthy donors. National Shomrim is looking for small organizations to make donations where our money will have an immediate impact. Lone Soldiers, Israel Heart2Heart are two organizations mentioned that work directly with individuals in Israel impacted by the war. If you have any other organizations in Israel that might benefit from directly from our donation, please contact National Shomrim President Ben Gelber at gelber72pct@gmail.com.
CHAPTER NEWS AND EVENTS
South Florida chaplain Rabbi David Weberman recently led the midsummer Fresh Kosher Training Program for the Royal Caribbean chefs on board the Odyssey of the Seas. Rabbi Weberman mentors these professionals on the intricacies of kosher dining on board the cruise ship, as he provides kosher cruises thru Kosherica.
Fantastic job by Nassau Shomrim chaplain Rabbi Elie Weinstock for opening the event for POTUS when the President visited Long Island with a special benediction on Friday, August 14, 2026. The President spoke before members of the Nassau County Police Department, showing once again his strong support for law enforcement.
NYPD Shomrim will have their 101st Annual Louis Weiser Memorial Service, Scholarship and Awards Breakfast on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Temple Emanu-El in NYC. The ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will be followed by breakfast in the ballroom. Please contact them directly at president@nypdshomrim.org for ticket information.
Shomrim of Illinois is preparing for their Annual Dinner on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Doubletree Hilton in Skokie, IL. Please contact Dave Appel at Dapple9029@hotmail.com for tickets.
South Florida Shomrim is beginning their plans for their annual Dinner Dance on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Temple Solel of Hollywood, Florida, 5100 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, FL. This year’s theme will be a Country Western Twist, so bring your best cowboy hat, boots and bling to their dinner. Hors D’ouvres will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation and dinner. Advance tickets are $180.00 each (cash, check or zelle), or $190.00 if you pay with a credit card or PayPal. Tickets at the door will be $195.00. Kosher food will be available to those who observe the dietary laws. For tickets please contact treasurersouthfloridashomrim@gmail.com. South Florida Shomrim is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization so your ticket purchase is tax deductible.
Save the date for the Port Authority Shomrim Chanukah Menorah Lighting at the Oculus at the WTC on Thursday, December 10, 2026. Details will be announced as we get closer to Chanukah.
MEMBER NEWS
On July 30, 2026, the Jewish Bar Association of New Jersey held their 3rd Annual Gala. Featured speakers included FDNY Chaplain Rabbi Joseph Potasnik. Past National Shomrim President and Past Port Authority Shomrim President Scot Pomerantz attended with Port Authority Shomrim Chaplain Rabbi Mendy Carlebach.
FDNY Ner Tamid is thrilled to welcome new member Jeanne Goldstein to the FDNY and Ner Tamid family! Public service is in Jeanne’s blood, as she comes from a family of first responders. So when the call came to join the FDNY, the decision was easy. She began her career as an FDNY EMT and will now be one of the 344 probationary firefighters who graduated from the latest class of the Fire Academy. Mazal tov Jeanne, and be safe!
Congratulations to Past South Florida Shomrim President Dave Lewis as he recently retired from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Dave had a stellar career, rising thru the ranks and retires with a Lieutenant’s rank. Welcome to the check of the month club!
With sadness, we send our condolences to Associate Member Fred Kanter on the passing of his father on August 5, 2026. May his memory be for a blessing to Fred and his family.
We were also heartbroken to learn of the passing of Leonardo Orozco, nephew of National Shomrim Second Vice President/Texas Shomrim Vice President Jeff Grossman. May Jeff and his family know no more sorrows and may they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Israel.
CHAPTER PRESIDENTS! We still have a few chapters who have not paid their 2026 National Shomrim chapter dues. We are also accepting chapter dues for 2027. Please send your dues of $100.00 to National Shomrim Treasurer Marty Turetzky, 1503 S. Ocean Blvd., Unit W-4, Boca Raton, Florida, 33432. Once again, as mentioned in past newsletters, we are asking all chapter presidents and their executive board members to join the National Shomrim Whatsapp chat. This is important as we can send out information to chapters quickly, especially if they are time sensitive. Please contact National Shomrim President Ben Gelber at gelber72pct@gmail.com as soon as you can to add yourself to the Whatsapp chat.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS! We still have a few associate members who have not paid dues for 2026. We encourage you to please send your $18.00 to the National Shomrim Treasurer Marty Turetzky, as well as your 2027 dues, for a total of $36.00. We have contacted these associate members several times and really don’t want to drop them from our membership, so please take care of this as soon as possible. All associate members are also asked to begin sending in your 2027 dues as well. Marty’s address, once again, is 1503 S. Ocean Blvd., Unit W-4, Boca Raton, FL 33432. And please feel free to share the newsletter to any other Jewish members of law enforcement, fire service or other uniformed services who may not know about our organization. And, as mentioned above, any associate member in good standing is encouraged to join the Executive Board of National Shomrim. We always look for new ideas and energetic members to help with our many activities, so don’t be shy!