Message from National Shomrim President Ben Gelber
As we all take a break to enjoy the summer, National Shomrim and our chapters are continuing to make plans for event for the second half of 2025. More on that later on.
I was proud to lead our National Shomrim delegation up Fifth Avenue in NYC for the Celebrate Israel Parade on May 18th. Under tight security, we were cheered on by the hundreds of people who lined the parade route. NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stopped by to greet our members and graciously took many pictures and selfies. Montana Tucker, an American singer and dancer and a Tik Tok and Instagram influencer known for creating pro-Israel content, also posed for pictures with our group. We welcomed FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker who marched with his fire fighters in Ner Tamid. And we were honored to have Dani Meir, father of hostage Omri Meir, march with our group for a short while. We stood proudly with him in our unwavering determination and support that all our hostages must be returned immediately.
Our pre-parade breakfast was well attended, too, and I held a short, informal National Shomrim meeting with our chapters. Nassau Shomrim Chaplain Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz gave the closing benediction, and we were ready to go.
We’re halfway thru 2025 and our chapters and members should be making their reservations for the National Shomrim Convention at Sea in January 2026. I’ll be attending for the first time in several years and I’m really excited to see as many of our members as possible. I’m encouraging as many of you as possible to attend so we can have a great turnout. I want all chapters represented and all our associate members to join us, too. Please contact official National Shomrim cruise planner Tony Lostumbo at cruisexpo@gmail.com to book your vacation now.
Chapter News
Shomrim of Illinois has its midsummer picnic on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Apachi Park in Northbrook, and their annual golf outing Monday, August 25, 2025. RSVP to their president David Appel at dapple9029@hotmail.com if you’d like to attend these events. And save the date for their dinner dance on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Doubletree Hotel in Skokie, Illinois. They are accepting reservations for this annual gala, so email Dave and he’ll get you information.
South Florida Shomrim is busy planning their dinner dance for Thursday, November 6, 2025,at Temple Solel in Hollywood, Florida. Details will be in a future newsletter.
A Jewish firefighter on Long Island, New York, made national news when he responded to a fire at the Chabad of Greenvale and ran into the burning building to rescue the Torah. Michael Farca, a volunteer firefighter with the Roslyn Heights Fire Department, ran into the Chabad and emerged like a “superhero,” according to congregation members on the scene. FF Farca was covered in soot but didn’t have a scratch on him and the Torah wasn’t damaged at all. The crowd was brought to tears by this tremendous act of heroism and although the building was scorched, prayer books soaked and much of the sanctuary left in ruins, the congregants felt completely hopeful when they saw the Torah emerging in perfect condition. FF Farca downplayed his actions, saying he was only doing his job. He and his wife were invited to the NYPD Shomrim dinner, which was scheduled for the next day, by National Shomrim President/NYPD Shomrim President Ben Gelber, and was the guest of honor at an FDNY Ner Tamid meeting. The fire to the Chabad of Greenvale is not considered suspicious, reports indicate it might have been electrical.
NYPD Shomrim tentatively continues to plan their Mission to Israel. Please contact member Steven Lane directly for information at (917) 478-1078.
Member News
Congratulations to FDNY Ner Tamid member Keith Brooks on his well deserved promotion to Honorary Deputy Commissioner in May. This recognition shows his dedication and hard work and his continued commitment to serving the community. Keith consistently demonstrates Ner Tamid’s values and mission.
Shomrim of Illinois President David Appel attended a Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Dinner on May 29, 2025, with his first Vice President, Justin Homer, as well as several other Shomrim of Illinois members. Former Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Chicago Rich Guidace was also there, showing his support for the organization.
Mazal tov to NYPD Shomrim member Inspector Weisberg on his promotion on May 31, 2025. Continued success within the NYPD Detective Bureau!
Port Authority Shomrim Executive Vice President/National Shomrim Marshall Jacob Shrybman, along with member Michael Shulman, were at the PAPD Academy to represent the organization at Fraternity Day. They sold sharp looking t shirts and signed up the lone probationary Jewish recruit in the class.
On June 6, 2025, Shomrim of Illinois board member Joanna Benjamin was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on the Chicago Police Department. Congratulations Joanna and keep breaking all the glass ceilings!
Congratulations to National Shomrim Past President/NYPD Shomrim Past President and current Treasurer Marty Turetzky and his wife Rebecca, who celebrated their silver wedding anniversary on June 18, 2025. And happy birthday to Rebecca Turetzky, who celebrated her special day on July 1st with Marty, family and friends.
There was a celebratory luncheon on Thursday, June 19, 2025, for Nassau Shomrim members Steven Miller and Chaim Sandler, who were promoted to the ranks of Lieutenant within the Nassau County Auxiliary Police Department. The luncheon was sponsored by the Community-Police Relations Foundation. Mazal tov to Lt. Miller and Lt. Sandler.
Congratulation to Shomrim of Illinois member Detective Marc Leavitt as he retired after 30 years with the Chicago Police Department on June 14, 2025. Marc worked in various units during his career, including tactical, gang intelligence and Narcotics, before he was promoted to Detective. Marc was considered by many to have been one of the best homicide detective on the Chicago PD. A party in his honor was held on June 13, 2025, and his Shomrim colleagues were there to celebrate with him, including First Vice President Justin Homer, Second Vice President Sgt. Jon Reeder, and Board members Detectives Rachel Drizner and Bari Lemmon. Marc’s dear friend David Draiman, the lead singer of the multi-platinum winning band Disturbia, also joined his colleagues in wishing Marc a great retirement. Marc has plans to move to the sunshine state and has already been in contact with South Florida Shomrim, as he wants to continue to be involved with Shomrim. Great plan, Marc!
Mazal tov to South Florida Shomrim President Harvey Meshel and his wife Randi on the marriage of their daughter Alexis Rose to Jasen Kelsheimer on June 21, 2025. May the newlyweds have a long and happy life together.
Suffolk County, Long Island, New York County Presiding Officer of the Legislature Kevin McCaffrey posthumously honored NYPD Shomrim Life Member Theodore “Ted” Newman on June 23, 2025, as a “2025 Jewish American Person of Distinction.” Ted served as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a respected Detective Sergeant in the NYPD, working on the Etan Patz case, one of the most famous missing child cases in New York City history. Ted served as President of the Suffolk Jewish Center and was the Fund Raising Chairman of Congregation Beth Sholom in Babylon. Suffolk County recognized that Ted’s service to our country, the City of New York, acknowledging that he represented the values of his heritage and prioritized service before self.
A huge mazal tov to Nassau Shomrim President Joe Oginski on his engagement on Saturday, June 28, 2025, to Jamie Wohl.
Mazal tov to Past NYPD Shomrim President Gary Marcus on his well deserved promotion to Inspector.
National Shomrim Second VP Jeff Grossman continues to be at the forefront of giving back and responding wherever he is needed. He headed up to Kerrville,Texas recently, the site of the devastating floods that took the lives of 78 people. More are reported missing. Jeff is going to assist with the rescue efforts with local Chabad Rabbi Yossi Marrus of Boerne, Texas. Amazing mitvah, Jeff! Keep going!
With sadness, we must report the passing of the following:
- Nassau Shomrim member Lt. Steve Benjacob held a private service for his late beloved father Philip in early June.
- South Florida Shomrim past President David Lewis’ mother Carole suddenly passed away on June 4, 2025. Services were held on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at the Gardens of Boca Raton. Shiva was observed at the Lewis home.
- Nassau Shomrim member Marc Fleischer sadly said goodbye to his mother Ann, age 93, on June 8, 2025. Services were held at New Montefiore Cemetery on Long Island, New York.
- Port Authority Shomrim was heartbroken to announce the passing of Mark Pomerantz, father of Past National Shomrim President/Port Authority Shomrim President Inspector Scot Pomerantz and PAPD Sgt./Port Authority Shomrim Board Member Sean Pomerantz. Mark passed away in late June after battling cancer. He was reunited with his wife Charlene, who predeceased him 22 years ago. Shiva was observed at the home of Scot Pomerantz.
May the Benjacob, Lewis, Fleischer and Pomerantz families know no more sorrows, and may they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Shomrim Remembers
Sgt. Isaac Price, Badge no. 916, age 40, EOW Friday, July 5, 1946. Sgt. Isaac Price suffered a fatal heart attack after arresting a suspect for disorderly conduct. The suspect would not remain seated and attempted to run. Sgt. Price chased him to 118th Avenue where he caught him but unfortunately collapsed. Sgt. Price’s partner arrested the suspect. Sgt. Price had been with the NYPD for 16 years and was assigned to West 123rd Street Station (28th Precinct). He was survived by his wife, daughter and three sons. Sgt. Price was laid to rest in Shomrim Field at Old Montefiore Cemetery in Springfield Gardens, NY. May Yitzchok the son of Ari Lieb, whose yarzheit was 7 Tammuz, continue to sit at the right hand of the Almighty.
Chapter Presidents
Friendly reminder to forward your chapters events to the Corresponding Secretary at BAstrizky@aol.com. We need to have your upcoming plans for the High Holidays and Chanukah so we can include them in future newsletters. If you don’t tell us, we can’t tell the chapters and associate members. And remember to tell your members to join the National Shomrim Facebook page.
Associate Members
We’re doing great with collecting dues although we have a handful of associate members who haven’t sent in their 2025 dues, and a few who also haven’t sent in 2024 dues. We try to keep all our members informed but once when we get no response, sadly they are dropped, which we hate to do. So please send in your 2025 dues to the Treasurer. And please join the National Shomrim Facebook page.