MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL SHOMRIM PRESIDENT BEN GELBER
It was once again an incredible honor to lead the National Shomrim delegation up Fifth Avenue during the annual Celebrate Israel Parade in New York City on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Despite heightened security, thousands proudly gathered to celebrate Israel and the Jewish people. Our delegation marched alongside countless organizations, schools, and community groups, demonstrating that our pride, unity, and commitment to Israel will never be intimidated.
This year’s Grand Marshall was NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Before the parade began, Commissioner Tisch personally greeted the uniformed members representing law enforcement agencies from across the country. She then marched the entire parade route alongside us—a tremendous show of solidarity and leadership. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also participated in the parade, standing proudly with the Jewish community, reaffirming his longstanding support for Israel and the people of New York.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Past National Shomrim President/Past NYPD Shomrim President Steven Litwin for serving as our liaison with the Celebrate Israel Parade Committee. His efforts in coordinating our participation, completing the necessary paperwork, and ensuring everything ran smoothly were greatly appreciated.
Before stepping off, we gathered for a traditional New York breakfast featuring fresh bagels, cream cheese, yogurt, cakes, cookies, coffee, and tea. A heartfelt thank you goes to NYPD Shomrim President Josh Zucker for generously providing the breakfast for everyone. Also special thanks to Mayar Kohn for the bagels and Shimmy Waks for the dairy appetizers. We also held a brief National Shomrim meeting before the parade, with representatives from seven chapters in attendance, along with our National Shomrim Chaplain, Rabbi Tzvi Berkowitz and National Shomrim Associate Member and FOP Chaplain Rabbi Brian Denker. It was wonderful to come together, discuss the future of our organization, and then proudly march together in support of Israel.
Planning continues for our 2027 National Shomrim Convention at Sea, and I encourage every chapter to participate. Last year’s convention was a tremendous success, and I hope to attend again with my brother, Chanan (Andrew), who thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The convention provides an outstanding opportunity to strengthen friendships, exchange ideas, and continue building the future of National Shomrim.
During the convention, elections will also be held for all National Shomrim Board positions. Our current Corresponding Secretary, Betty Astrizky, has announced that she will be stepping down when her term concludes in January 2027. My own term as National President will also come to an end. I encourage members who are passionate about our mission to consider serving on the National Board. Fresh ideas, dedicated leadership, and active participation will ensure that National Shomrim continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.
A Hero Who Ran Toward Danger!
October 7, 2023, will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in Israel’s history. As Hamas launched its brutal terrorist attack, countless heroes emerged from every background, race, religion, and walk of life. Ordinary people performed extraordinary acts of courage to defend innocent lives.
One individual whose story deeply inspired me is IDF soldier Avichail Reuven. After immigrating to Israel from Ethiopia with his family, Avichail answered the call to defend his adopted homeland when the attack began. Without a vehicle or any available transportation, he did not hesitate. He put on his uniform, picked up his rifle, and ran approximately eight miles to reach the Gaza border so he could join the fight to protect innocent civilians and defend the State of Israel.
There is no doubt in my mind that his courage and selfless actions helped save countless lives that day. His willingness to run toward danger while so many were fleeing from it represents the very best of humanity. He embodies courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting others. For nearly two years I hoped to locate this remarkable young man so I could personally thank him for his heroism. I am grateful to share that I was finally able to find him. Today Avichail continues to serve with distinction and is currently deployed on missions in the Gaza area. Since reconnecting, we have spoken regularly, and it has been a true privilege getting to know him. I have shared with him my hope of bringing him to New York through sponsorship so that our National Shomrim members and supporters can meet this extraordinary young man in person. I also hope he will consider marching with us in next year’s Celebrate Israel parade. It would be an honor for him to experience New York City and witness firsthand the tremendous love and unwavering support that so many here have for Israel and its defenders.
Heroes like Avichail Reuven remind us that courage knows no boundaries. His story is one of faith, determination, and selfless service, and it deserves to be remembered and shared for generations to come. Am Yisrael Chai.
NATIONAL SHOMRIM NEWS
We are selling out quickly for the 2027 National Shomrim Convention at Sea! Just think about sailing the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean during the cold, dreary winter months, stopping in the ports of Nassau, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico, and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. You can be there with our group and enjoy these sun filled days while taking advantage of a reduced special rate for our Shomrim group that includes the classic beverage package and internet. We’ll be on the Celebrity Beyond, sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday, January 17, 2027, for a week of great times. We have our own private party, a huge Friday night Shabbat service, meetings and presentations by fascinating individuals as part of our Signature Speakers Series. And for this convention we have a special tour planned for the day our ship will be in Cozumel, Mexico. We are planning an outing to the Cozumel Fire Dept. and will tour of their facility, followed by a lunch at the Chabad of Cozumel. Once plans are set we’ll notify all convention attendees of the cost of this outing. This will be special and a chance to meet our counterparts in the Cozumel Fire Service. A fully refundable $100 deposit is all it takes to secure your cabin. So don’t wait. Make your reservations now with our official Shomrim cruise planner Tony Lostumbo at cruisexpo@gmail.com.
As mentioned above, nominations for the 2027 National Shomrim Executive Board are being accepted. The slate will be presented to the chapters and associate membership prior to October 17, 2026, so if you would like to nominate an individual who you think would be a great addition to our Executive Board, or if you’d like to get involved, submit the names to current president Ben Gelber at gelber72pct@gmail.com. Don’t hesitate, we are looking to the future to bring National Shomrim to even greater heights.
CHAPTER NEWS
Port Authority Shomrim, NYPD Shomrim and FDNY Ner Tamid members were super busy during June and July. Members were on hand during the New York Knicks playoff outside Madison Square Garden, where thousands fans gathered every night of the games. NYPD Shomrim members stood by proudly as they watched the NBA world champion NY Knicks honored in an epic parade down the Canyon of Heroes in Lower Manhattan. Right after that the World Cup games began, with matches held in the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Port Authority Shomrim members were there guiding people to PATH and New Jersey trains to attend the match, and will be ready for the final deciding game on Sunday, July 19th. And then there was a celebrity wedding at Madison Square Garden on July 3rd, just a small intimate affair of 1,000 people, with thousands of fans waiting outside to get a glimpse of the guests and the newly married couple. Of course the biggest celebration was on July 4th, when our great country celebrated its 250th birthday. Members from these departments, plus so many other departments and agencies assisting, were on duty during the week for the tall ships arrival into New York Harbor, the many street parties and events that took place for the celebration, and of course, the huge fireworks display on the East River. It was a great collaboration by all the agencies and departments.
Shomrim of Illinois President Dave Appel, along with Board Member Harold Brown and longtime member Gary Merrill, manned the Shomrim table at the local “Taste of FOP,” at the John Dineen FOP Post #7 on May 20, 2026. Kosher food was provided by Dan Raskin of Manny’s Deli and attendees from various ethnic police organizations enjoyed the sandwiches along with other delicious foods.
Shomrim members, led by President Dave Appel, stood shoulder to shoulder with members of the Chicago Police Department as they laid to rest murdered Police Officer John Bartholomew, age 38, EOW April 25, 2026. PO Bartholomew’s partner, Officer Nelson Crespo, was critically injured. The suspect , who fled the scene of the shooting, was captured a short time later and was charged with felony murder, attempted murder and armed robbery. Shomrim members and Chicago Police Department members will be in court for every hearing and motion to support the Batholomew family and ensure they get full justice for their beloved murdered officer. PO Batholomew was laid to rest on May 8, 2026.
Shomrim of Illinois is having their annual picnic on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Camp Apachi in Northbrooke, IL. The fun begins at approximately noon and you can RSVP to Bruce.Rottner@gmail.com. Save the date for their Annual Dinner Dance on Wednesday, November 12, 2026
Save the date for South Florida Shomrim’s Dinner Dance on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Temple Solel in Hollywood Florida. And make sure you celebrate Chanukah with Port Authority Shomrim on Thursday, December 10, 2026, for their annual Menorah Lighting in the Oculus in the World Trade Center.
About a year ago Nassau County (NY) Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder contacted Nassau Shomrim President Joe Oginski, asking if he can obtain a replica Torah for use at the Nassau County Police Academy for training purposes. The purpose was to show recruits what this religious item – the Torah – is and how to understand its meaning and value to the Jewish community. Joe was able to obtain the Torah cover and scroll bars (with no scripture inside, out of respect for its use in training) from Temple Israel in Great Neck. The only challenge that existed was ensuring the Torah was kept in a place where it was properly honored when not in use for training purposes. Police Academy Sgt. Joe Monez and Police Recruit Justin Zammit built a case for the replica Torah, understanding the need to have it stored respectfully. Commissioner Ryder was keen to ensure that this was done and the Police Foundation paid for the wood. Kol HaKavod to Joe Oginski and the members of Nassau Shomrim, the Police Commissioner, Sgt. Monez and Recruit Zammit.
FDNY Ner Tamid President Yonatan Klein was recently alerted to an unfortunate antisemitic post made by a fellow firefighter on social media. He handled it immediately and is a reminder that we must tackle these types of posts wherever they occur, even if they are within our own agencies and departments.
Port Authority Shomrim Chaplain and Brooklyn Community Leader Rabbi Chanina Sperlin visited NYPD Inspector Igor Pinkhasov’s office and affixed a mezuzah on his office door. Inspector Pinkhasov is the newly appointed Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Queens North. Joining in were also family law attorney Daniel Nottes and Officer Rahman of the 71st Precinct.
On June 15th, Port Authority Shomrim President Jacob Shrybman joined Jersey City School Board Trustee Natalia Lofe and spoke to invited leaders of the Jewish communities of Hoboken, Jersey City and Hudson County in Hoboken, New Jersey. The evening was part of an initiative started by IAC and IAC New Jersey to build bridges between the Jewish communities, law enforcement and elected officials. It was a productive evening of discussion moderated by IAC Chair Tal Shuster. The Port Authority Police is always at the forefront of the communities they serve in New York and New Jersey.
MEMBER NEWS
Nassau Shomrim members welcomed two future members: On May 11, 2026, member Jason Geller announced he and his wife were blessed with a baby boy. Nassau Shomrim member Sam Kopolovitz also announced the birth of a baby boy in May. The bris was held on Sunday May 10, 2026, at the Yeshiva of the South Shore in Hewlett, Long Island.
On May 17, 2026, Past National Shomrim President/Past Port Authority Shomrim President PAPD Inspector Scot Pomerantz graduated from the University of Virginia with a Master’s Degree in Public Safety. This milestone comes alongside a distinguished 24 year career with the Port Authority Police, where he currently serves as the Inspector and Commanding Officer at JFK International Airport. In 2024 Scot completed Session #291 of the FBI National Academy, an experience that inspired him to continue challenging himself and pursuing higher education. Scot’s wife Sharon and his children Carly and Chad were there to cheer him as he walked with the other graduates to receive his diploma. Additionally, after the Celebrate Israel Parade on May 26, 2026, Scot was honored with the Jerusalem Award at the Jerusalem Conference. This prestigious award, given to friends of the State of Israel, was presented to him in recognition of his commitment to the Jewish community and his dedication to law enforcement. Scot’s wife Sharon was with him as he accepted this award, as was Port Authority Shomrim President Jacob Schrybman and Port Authority Shomrim Chaplain Rabbi Mendy Carlebach. Scot and Sharon also reached a milestone when they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on May 20, 2026. Mazal tov to the happy couple!
Nassau Shomrim welcomed two new members to their chapter – recent graduates of the Nassau County (NY) Police Academy. PO Zoe Zimmerman has been assigned to the 4th Precinct and PO Robert Goldstein has been assigned to the 3rd Precinct. We wish both new members a long, successful and safe career!
Huge Mazal tov to Nassau Shomrim President Joe Oginski on his recent marriage on May 25, 2026, to Jamie Wohl. Joe missed the Celebrate Israel Parade, as he had a good reason – he was on his honeymoon! Wishing Joe and Jamie many years of happiness! And a huge mazal tov to Nassau Shomrim member Lt. Chaim Sandler on the engagement of his daughter Rachel to Dov Katz. Let’s keep the simchas coming!
Shomrim of Northern California President Jerome Cobert and his wife Yvonne were proud to see their son Levi earn his Masters Degree in International Affairs and Leadership. Congratulations to the Cobert family!
Past Nassau Shomrim Society President Shevy Berkovits is asking as many people as possible to participate in a survey about children’s “educator” Ms Rachel. She has been teaching children antisemitic songs and thoughts and has a very wide audience, across the country and on social media. This survey will help Shevy to expose her horrible words and her incompetence as a teacher. It will only take a few minutes. Please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MsRachelMediaStudySJU and help get rid of one more antisemite.
National Shomrim 2nd Vice President/current Shomrim of Texas Vice President Jeff Grossman assisted with local primary elections in Bexar County, Texas. He ensured that voters were properly registered and campaigned against a candidate in the 35th district who is a rabid antisemite and has called for all Jewish Zionists to be placed in detention centers and castrated. Thankfully this terrible individual was defeated in her attempt to become her party’s representative. Jeff also heads up the security for the Chabad summer camp in his hometown of San Antonio, TX.
Retired NYC Dept. of Corrections Officer Ernest Braun is asking anyone who can help him in locating a kidney donor. Ernie is a founding member of NYC Dept. of Corrections Macabee Society and is a beloved husband and father. Ernie retired from the NYC DOC in 2007. Kidney failure is debilitating the quality of his life. If you can help him out by putting him in touch with a potential living donor, please email R27138@renewal.org or call (718) 215-8375. This great mitzvah is one that transcends everything in Judaism, as saving a life is paramount in our beliefs.
Port Authority Shomrim member Matt Binkowitz spins the classics, including dance music, on Freestyle Radio. You can listen anytime/anywhere to old school classics, Brooklyn nights and live mixes only on B91 at Live365.com. Search Freestyle Radio. Matt usually DJs on weekends, so check his schedule and enjoy the party music. Also sending Matt and his wife Sina a mazal tov for their 34th wedding anniversary on June 27th.
Nassau Shomrim member Police Officer Scott Kushner was recently honored with a Meritorious Police Service Award by the Nassau County (NY) Police Department for his actions on January 3, 2026. Scott was also reasssigned to the Bureau of Special Operations, CIRRT. Great work Scott, and continue to be safe.
NYPD Shomrim Past President David Wagner celebrated his 101st birthday on June 15th! Incredible milestone and we wish Dave continued good health until 120! We should all merit to receive blessings from him! NYPD Shomrim also congratulates member Jeremy Hametz on his promotion to 2nd Grade Detective, to member Malka Raul on her promotion to Detective, and to member Elliot Zinstein on the graduation of his daughter Leora from City College as summa cum laude. And more mazal tovs! Past President Harvey Hecker’s son Bradley was married to Rebekka Laskinon on May 10th, his granddaughter Shira Sharvit graduated from Brooklyn College and his grandson Ari Klar graduated from RYNJ New Jersey. And Past President Jason Margolis and his wife Dina were thrilled to announce the engagement of their daughter Samantha to Benjamin Banker. Mazal tov to everyone!
Wishing Past National Shomrim President/Past NYPD Shomrim President Stuart Portner a refeuah shelemah as he recovers from recent surgery.
Shomrim of Illinois member Marc Fainman has been appointed Chief of Police in Northbrook, Illinois. A 20 year veteran of the Northbrook Police Dept., Marc has served in numerous roles, most recently as the Deputy Chief of Field Operations. Congratulations Marc!
With sadness, our chapters reported the passing of the following individuals:
- NYPD Shomrim announced that long time member retired NYPD Captain Edward Mamet passed away after a brief illness on April 28, 2026. Services were held on April 30, 2026, and Captain Mamet was laid to rest in Shomrim Field, New Montefiore Cemetery, West Babylon, NY. Capt. Mamet served the NYPD for many years, rising thru the ranks and earning the respect of his colleagues thru his leadership, dedication and commitment to public safety. Following his retirement Capt. Mamet podcasted his persona and perspective thru WABC Radio. He was frequently sought out by major news outlets as a trusted law enforcement expert for his insights on critical issues.
- FDNY Ner Tamid Society regretfully announced the passing of Michael Moser, father in law of FDNY Ner Tamid member Battalion Chief Dan Bocian. Services were held on May 21, 2026, and the Bocian family received visitors for shiva at their home in Old Bethpage, NY.
- With a broken heart, Nassau Shomrim member Pennee Kavanaugh advised of the passing of her husband Edward Kavanaugh on May 23, 2026. Ed was a huge supporter of many of Nassau Shomrim’s programs and events and participated in the Passover Food Drive the chapter has every year. A former member of the military, Ed was laid to rest with full military honors at the Calverton National Cemetery on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
- National Shomrim Associate Member Jed Dolnick mourns the passing of his sister, Deborah Dolnick Alpert, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
May the Mamet, Moser, Bocian, Kavanaugh, Dolnick and Alpert families know no more sorrows, and may they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Israel.
SHOMRIM REMEMBERS
In 1936, NYPD 32nd Precinct Patrolman Leroy Sheares was fatally stabbed while taking police action off-duty. Like too many fallen heroes of his time, he was buried in an unmarked grave in the charity section of Calvary Cemetery. His name wasn’t even inscribed on the section’s communal monument. Almost 90 years later, local historian and cemetery volunteer Anthony Pisciotta – a 2025 NYPD PBA Person of the Year Honoree – discovered Patrolman Sheares resting place. His name is now inscribed on the monument. A great thank you to Anthony Pisciotta ensuring that this fallen hero will never be forgotten. Also, on July 1st, members of the 101st Precinct and NYPD Shomrim members gathered with the family of fallen NYPD hero Police Office Scott Gadell to honor his memory 40 years after he made the ultimate sacrifice during a gun battle with a violent repeat offender. PO Gadell rests in Shomrim Field in New Montefiore Cemetery, Long Island, NY. Sadly, the family of fallen Police Officer Russel Timoshenko gathered with his colleagues and PBA leadership in the early morning hours of July 9, 2026, to commemorate his murder on July 14, 2007. PO Timoshenko and his partner PO Herman Yan were sitting in a marked 71st Precinct police vehicle when they observed a vehicle driving on a local street. Scanning the license plate, it indicated the plate was assigned to a different vehicle. Officers Timoshenko and Yan signaled for the vehicle to pull over and when the driver complied, both officers exited the vehicle and were shot with what was later determined to be an illegal .45 caliber handgun. PO Timoshenko was shot in the face and the throat, while PO Yan was shot in the arm and was saved by his ballistic vest. Born in Belarus in the former Soviet Union and emigrating with his parents as a 10 year old boy, PO Timoshenko was 23 years old at the time of his murder. He rests in the Moravian Cemetery on Staten Island, NY. On July 10th, Captain Connor McDonald, his mother Patti Ann and members of the Central Park Precinct honored the memory of Detective Steven McDonald who was shot nearly 40 years ago on July 12, 1986 while on patrol, leaving him paralyzed. PO McDonald lived for many years as a quadriplegic until succumbing to illnesses on January 10, 2017. He rests in the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury, NY. May Patrolman Sheares, Police Officer Gadell, Police Officer Timoshenko and Police Officer McDonald continue to rest at the right hand of the Almighty, the True Judge, and may their memories continue to be a blessing for their families.
CHAPTER PRESIDENTS!
Reminder to the chapters who have not paid their 2026 National Shomrim Dues – please send them in as soon as possible! It’s important that your chapter is paid up, as we have elections coming up in 2027 and you may not be eligible to vote if your chapter is not current on their membership. It’s very important that this is taken care of as soon as possible. Please email National Shomrim Treasurer Marty Turetzky at rmturetzky@aol.com if you have a question about your 2026 dues.
Additionally, we have mentioned numerous times in past newsletters, please send the newsletter to your members as soon as it hits your inbox. We once again learned that one chapter didn’t send the newsletter to its membership and the members had no idea about our events and activities. This is one of the last times this will be mentioned, as the newsletter will be phased out in 2027. Every single chapter member and associate member should ask to join the National Shomrim Facebook page and the Facebook, Instagram and X pages of their chapters. With millions of followers across the world, it will be the easiest way to send out information as soon as we hear about it. Do not let your members down. Chapter Presidents, if you haven’t joined the whatsapp chat, please contact Ben Gelber ASAP. Again, as time is critical as we’re in the second half of 2026, all your members should join the National Shomrim Facebook page as soon as possible.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS!
We are still collecting dues for 2026 from a handful of members who haven’t paid up yet. Please keep your membership active and even more importantly, get active in National Shomrim. Attend a chapter event or a National Shomrim event. Join us at the 2027 Convention at Sea. You can also nominate yourself for a position on the next Executive Board. We’re always looking for new people with fresh ideas to be the next leaders of National Shomrim, so take the next step and become as involved as you can.