MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL SHOMRIM PRESIDENT BEN GELBER
National Police Memorial Week will take place this year from Sunday, May 10, 2026 to Saturday, May 16, 2026. As they do every year, Shomrim of D.C. will host the annual Kaddish Service on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The service and reception will take place at 441 4th Street NW, two blocks from the memorial. National Shomrim and our chapters always have representatives at this important event. Please email Jay Gruber at JayGruber62@gmail.comfor more information.
I am very much looking forward to leading our National Shomrim delegation up Fifth Avenue at the Israel on Fifth Parade on Sunday, May 31, 2026. This year’s theme is “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.” This year we celebrate the 78th anniversary of the creation of the modern State of Israel. Please make sure that all our National Shomrim chapters and associate members attend, we want to have as many members march with us up the world famous Fifth Avenue in NYC. We want to show the world that we’re loud, proud, and not going away! There will be a preparade collation at Temple Emanuel, 5th Avenue and 65th Street, NYC, with a traditional NY breakfast of bagels, danish and lots of good stuff beginning at 8:45 a.m. There will also be a short National Shomrim meeting prior to stepping off for the parade, at approximately 10:00 a.m., so please make sure your chapter president and/or representative is in attendance so we can have an official meeting. From there we head out together, at 10:45 a.m., as one group, to take our place as one of the first groups who leads off this iconic and important event. As per the parade committee, no vehicles will be allowed to participate in our delegation. Also, non uniformed members of National Shomrim (civilian employees, family members, etc.) are asked to wear their Shomrim chapter’s t shirts or identifying clothing. These rules are in place to keep all parade attendees safe.
I’d also like to thank the members of many police departments that provided security to synagogues and Hebrew schools across the United States, Canada and the UK during Passover and continue to protect the Jewish communities on Shabbat. All these great police officers stayed outside these sacred spaces during community seders and services to ensure that everyone inside felt safe, knowing we could celebrate this Festival of Freedom with joy and reverence.
We’re still planning our National Shomrim Convention at Sea for January 17, 2027. We will be sailing to the Western Caribbean Islands of Nassau, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; and Georgetown, Grand Cayman on the beautiful Celebrity Beyond. There is a fully refundable deposit of $500.00 until October 1, 2026, so please make your reservation and consider joining us at this memorable and fun event. We are also looking for speakers for our Signature Speakers Series to present a topic of interest to our convention attendees. It can be anything – law enforcement, health, history – so if you have an expertise in a topic, please contact the convention coordinators Marty Turetzky at rmturetzky@aol.com or Betty Astrizky at BAstrizky@aol.com and they’ll put you into the convention lineup. We also have our meeting, Shabbat services and private cocktail party, and we’re working on a special event for the convention, so stay tuned. Contact our official National Shomrim Cruise Planner Tony Lostumbo at (954) 384-7245 or email him at cruisexpo@gmail.com to make your reservation.
We’re also still looking to send a National Shomrim Delegation to the March of the Living in May 2027. We have about ten people who have expressed an interest in participating in this incredibly important annual event, but for a group we need at least 25 participants. The dates for next year’s MOTL will be May 3 to 10, 2027, with an option to extend to Israel May 13 to 18, 2027. We can tailor the dates to our group’s needs, focusing on the most important part of the event, recreating the march the Jews and other prisoners at Auschwitz were forced to march three miles to Birkenau. With less than 200,000 Holocaust survivors alive today, with a median age of 87, it is incredibly important that we honor their experience and share the lessons of the Holocaust, especially in these difficult times for the Jewish communities of the world, including here in our own country. If you are interested please email National Shomrim Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Stacy Barasch at taz4313@aol.com as soon as possible. Once we get sufficient interest, we’ll be able to get prices and dates set and with the possible Israel extension.
CHAPTER NEWS AND EVENTS
The deadlines are quickly approaching to RSVP for two important chapter events:
- The NYPD Shomrim 2026 Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Oligarch, 86-15 Lefferts Blvd., Queens, NYand you must contact Josh Zucker at (929) 277-7970, Joshua Farazmand at (631) 623-0087 or Marina Genin at (917) 998-0943 to make your reservation. You can also venmo @nypdshomrim. Tickets are $165 per member and $185 non-members.
- The FDNY Centennial Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Brooklyn. They will be honoring former FDNY Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. Please email ASAP
In early March FDNY Ner Tamid held elections for board positions and were proud to announce that Yonatan Klein will continue to serve as president of their organization. Assisting him will be Jonathan Haber as Vice President, Paul Demell as Second Vice President, Zach Rosenberg as the Recording Secretary, Yaniv Amar as the Treasurer and Craig Weintraub as their Sergeant-At-Arms. Mazal tov to the elected leadership. FDNY Ner Tamid was also honored to attend the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Gala on February 24, 2026. They provided a color guard for this prestigious event, with support from the FDNY Ceremonial Unit, helping to add dignity and tradition celebrating excellence in NYC basketball.
Prior to Passover, FDNY Ner Tamid assisted at the 51st Annual COJO Pre Passover Food Distribution at Ohr Torah Sephardic Minyan on Staten Island, NY. Together with community partners, they helped provide Pesach food packages to over 3,300 families with food insecurity, ensuring they can celebrate the holiday with dignity and joy. Members also stood by at various locations to provide protection while Jewish communities participated in the “burning of the chametz” right before Passover.
Nassau County, NY has extended the Police Department Exam and will allow applicants to apply up til their 43rd birthday. They are giving veterans up to 7 years extended eligibility. Please contact Nassau Shomrim for information on joining the Nassau County Police Department at nassaushomrim@gmail.com. On Sunday, March 29, 2026, they held their annual Passover Food Drive, collecting, packaging and delivering food packages to families in need in Nassau County, NY.
Port Authority Shomrim partnered with the Port Authority Agency Affairs Dept. and were represented at the Bensonhurst (Brooklyn) Annual Career Fair at the Marks Jewish Community Center in mid March. This important recruitment event was organized and arranged by Port Authority Shomrim President PO Jacob Shrybman. PA Shomrim Board member PO Seymur Ifraimov, who attended this JCC growing up, and two other PAPD police officers represented the Port Authority Police and they got lots of interest in joining the department. The recruitment window is now open, so go online and sign up! Contact PA Shomrim President Jacob Shrybman at jacob.shryb@gmail.comfor more information.
Port Authority Shomrim will participate in the Tunnels to Towers Tower Climb on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Shomrim Members, along with hundreds of other participants, will climb the 104 stories of One World Trade Center to commemorate those who were fallen on 9/11/2001 and other first responders and military who were killed in the line of duty. Port Authority Shomrim members and Port Authority Police Officers will be climbing to raise funds for Kerry Ann Varvaro and her son, Anthony Jr., the son of fallen Port Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro, EOW 9/11/2022. Contributions can be made to nyctowerclimb.t2t.org/Race/119917/Donate.
Save these dates!
- Sunday, July 26, 2026 is the Shomrim of Illinois annual picnic at Apachi Day Camp, Northbrooke, IL. Their Community Heroes Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026
- South Florida’s Annual Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Temple Solel, Hollywood, Florida.
MEMBER NEWS
We were very grateful to hear from Shomrim of Northern California President Jerome Cobert, who lives in Tel Aviv. Jerome and his wife Yvonne’s home was destroyed in one of the recent bombings by Iran. Thank G-d they were unharmed and have the best attitude of “it’s just stuff.” They left after the bombing to Thailand and Vietman to have a few days of peace and quiet.
Port Authority Shomrim retired member Avi Moshowitz and his wife Liz were incredibly proud as they watched their son Brett sworn into the NYC NROTC Unit. Upon graduation Brett will commission as a US Navy Ensign. Smooth sailing Brett!
On February 19, 2026, National Shomrim Corresponding Secretary Betty Astrizky attended a Women of Valor event at the Boca Beach Chabad in Boca Raton, FL. She met up with Shomrim supporter Montana Tucker, as well as the current Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz. Both powerful women are strong supporters of the state of Israel and have committed themselves to fighting antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head.
In early March, NY 77WABC Local Radio station shined the spotlight on NYPD Shomrim member Sgt. Yehuda Sicherman, Patrol Supervisor, Central Park Unit. Sgt. Sicherman went above and beyond the call of duty when a member of the Jewish community passed away. He personally assisted in transporting the deceased to be buried and covered all the costs of the burial to ensure the individual was laid to rest in a proper Jewish funeral. This remarkable act of kindness is one of the greatest mitzvah that a Jew can perform for another Jew at their passing. Tremendous work Sgt. Sicherman! And mazal tov to NYPD Shomrim member Robert Janison on his well earned promotion to Sergeant on February 27, 2026.
Shomrim of Illinois member The Honorable Judge Megan Goldish was recently awarded the 2026 Laura Liu Access to Justice Award, which honors individuals who are committed to expanding access to justice and advancing a more fair, equal and transparent legal system. Judge Goldish was elected to the bench in 2014 and serves in the Domestic Violence Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She is the president of the Illinois Jewish Judges Association, past president of the Decalogue Society and the North Suburban Bar Association, and currently serves as secretary of membership for the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. She was also a past honoree of Shomrim of Illinois as their Person of the Year.
The Port Authority of NY and NJ announced the appointment of Rabbi Chanina Sperlin as a chaplain for their Police Department, providing spiritual and non spiritual support to department members and their families. “Being appointed as chaplain for the brave men and women of the PAPD is more than an honor, it’s a real responsibility,” said Rabbi Sperlin in a recent interview. “Every day they put on the badge and put their lives on the line to keep the public safe. Their courage, sacrifice and care for others reflect the values of Pride-Service-Distinction that guide this department…” Rabbi Sperlin will serve alongside fellow PAPD chaplains Rabbi Joel Eisdorfer and Rabbi Mendy Carlebach (Chabad of Rutgers). He is also a cousin to Port Authority Shomrim Secretary Menucha Sperlin. Rabbi Sperlin is widely recognized for his decades of leadership and service to the Crown Heights (Brooklyn) community. He has cultivated close working relationships with the Governor and her staff, the NYPD and numerous city and state agencies to strengthen public safety and improve the quality of life for residents. He also serves as a chaplain for the NYC Office of Emergency Management.
NYPD Shomrim was proud to announce the appointment of Rabbi Manes Kogan, of the Hillcrest Jewish Center in Queens, NY, as the next and only Jewish chaplain for the NYPD. Rabbi Kogan will be stepping into the position long held by Rabbi Alvin Kass, who died in October 2025. Rabbi Kogan is also a U.S. Army Chaplain. He has served as the Hillcrest Jewish Center’s rabbi for over twenty years. He is ready and prepared to be called upon by the Department to offer spiritual guidance to all members of the NYPD.
Happy 44th Birthday to Port Authority Shomrim Board member Sean Pomerantz on March 5, 2026.
On March 5, 2026, Past Nassau Shomrim President/Nassau County Police Department Inspector Alan Hirsch retired after 40 years of service with his department. Alan was saluted by his command and the members of Nassau Shomrim, who were in attendance to mark this incredible milestone. And a huge Mazal tov to member Pennee Kavanaugh as she retired from Nassau County Dept. of Probation after 40 years of service! Congratulations Alan and Pennee, and welcome to the check of the month club!
Congratulations to Nassau Shomrim member Jennifer Wasserman who was promoted to Detective in the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Public Information Office, Nassau County Police Department, on March 27, 2026. Also wishing Nassau Shomrim member Cory Gottlieb much luck in his new assignment to the Bureau of Special Operation, Nassau County Police Department.
Mazal tov to Past National Shomrim President/Past Nassau Shomrim President Scott Bresalier and his wife Bonnie, who celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary on March 16, 2026 with a trip to Daytona Beach, FL. And congratulations to Bonnie Bresalier, who is planning on retiring from her 12 career as a special education teacher with the Palm Beach, FL schools on June 1, 2026. Congratulations and welcome to the check of the month club Bonnie!
Happy 95th birthday to the man, the myth, the legend Sonny Lukatsky, past president of Shomrim of Illinois, who celebrated this big number on April 5, 2026, with family and friends. Til 120!
Retired NYPD Shomrim members David Reiff and his wife Susan Levy Reiff had the honor to share the stage with their son Scott who was sworn into the Suffolk County (NY) Police Department in late March.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in honor of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, past National Shomrim President/past Port Authority Shomrim President JFK Commanding Officer Inspector Scot Pomerantz participated in the March of the Living as he marched, with over 50 Holocaust survivors and over 7,000 representatives from over 30 countries, from Auschwitz to Birkenau, commemorating what was a death march 81 years ago to one of life, resilience and remembrance. Scot was joined on the March with Port Authority Police Superintendant Edward Cetnar; Port Authority chaplain Rabbi Mendy Carlebach; and his father, the chaplain of Chabad of Rutgers, Rabbi Yosef Carlebach. Before the March, Scot wrapped tefillin on the grounds of Auschwitz where millions of Jewish people were murdered. They also attended the annual ceremony that featured a special guest performance by Agam Berger, who survived Hamas captivity in Gaza. Scot, Rabbi Carlebach, Superintendant Cetnar and other Port Authority leadership, as well as New York State and New Jersey state leader, have traveled to Poland to participate in the march several times, ensuring to share their experiences and the lesson of Never Again.
With sadness, we must report the passing of the following:
- Nassau Shomrim was hearrbroken to report the passing of member Larry Zuch on March 25, 2026. Funeral services were held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 and internment took place at New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon, NY. Shiva was held at his family’s home in North Bellmore, NY.
- NYPD Shomrim widow member Jan Brown, wife of deceased member Lt. Irwin Brown, passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 93. Jan and Slim, as Irwin was affectionately known, were long time Shomrim supporters and counted many friends from among the membership. She leaves behind her two children, grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
- Bernie Binkowitz, the father of Port Authority Shomrim member Matthew Binkowitz, passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 88. A proud father and grandfather, a proud United States Marine, a celebration of his life was held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Menorah Chapels on Staten Island, NY. His heavenly birthday was remembered by his family on April 16, 2026.
May the memories of Larry Zuch, Jan Brown and Bernie Binkowitz be a blessing for their families, and may the Zuch, Brown and Binkowitz families know no more sorrows.
CHAPTER PRESIDENTS!
It’s unfortunate that we still have to talk about this, but we again heard from members of a chapter who never received the National Shomrim newsletter and had no idea about our annual convention and other chapter events. We must once again remind all chapter presidents that as soon as you receive the newsletter, please send it out to your members so they will know about upcoming events and other important information. One chapter didn’t send out the last newsletter for almost a month, even though they were reminded twice to do so. It’s only hurting the members when they don’t get the newsletter. And when the members don’t know, they won’t participate in chapter events. And that could mean the possible loss of members to your chapters and nonparticipation.
Chapter presidents are also reminded that National Shomrim dues are now being accepted for 2026. Please send them in to National Shomrim Treasurer Marty Turetzky, 1503 S. Ocean Blvd., Unit W-4, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Checks should be made out to the National Conference of Shomrim Societies in the amount of $100.00. Please take care of this as soon as possible, so your chapter can have voting rights at upcoming meetings and the convention.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS!
This is a reminder to please send in your National Shomrim Associate Member dues of $18.00 for 2026. We have sadly dropped a handful of associate members at the beginning of the year for nonpayment of past dues. Please keep your membership active. And more importantly, please attend any National Shomrim and chapter event that you can. Make it a staycation, with a trip to NYC for the Celebrate Israel Parade, or attend both NYPD Shomrim and FDNY Ner Tamid’s annual dinner dances. They’re only a week apart. Or attend a chapter event in your region. And if you’re planning an independent trip to a city where there is a local Shomrim chapter, get in touch with them so you can make a valuable connection.
Chapters, their members and associate members should ask to join the National Shomrim Facebook page. This is important because the newsletter will be phased out by the end of the year. As social media is now the most powerful and primary way information is spread, and with everyone owning a cell phone, it’s the best choice now for our organization. We have repeatedly asked all chapters and associate members to join the National Shomrim Facebook page, so now is the time to do it before the newsletter ends this year. With both Facebook and Instagram each having over 3.7 billion people following their posts, chapter information and events and member news can be shared immediately. So ask to join the National Shomrim Facebook page and the Instagram pages of our chapter ASAP.