May 2021
We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, with the lifting of the mask restrictions and the reopening of certain venues, allowing people to gather once again. The main event that we have proudly participated in for many years – the Celebrate Israel Parade, held the first Sunday in June – has been cancelled for the second year in a row. The Parade was our signature event and was always the kickoff for many chapter activities. Our National Shomrim Zoom meeting on Sunday, June 13, 2021, will be in lieu of an in person meeting that we would have held prior to the Celebrate Israel Parade, and I encourage all chapter presidents to join us. As always, our associate members are welcome to log on. Chapter members are welcome too, and if you have any questions please forward them to your chapter president. We want to see as many of you as possible at our Zoom meeting! Our Sergeant-at-Arms Dave Appel has arranged for a guest speaker that will give a short presentation after our meeting concludes. Jay Greenberg is an Deputy Assistant Director in the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. DAD Greenberg leads the FBI’s efforts to combat civil rights violations, public corruption and financial crimes. As an Agent, DAD Greenberg was initially assigned to the Washington Field Office, where investigated civil rights, public corruption and government fraud. He worked with the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and District of Columbia to investigate and prosecute numerous hate crimes and color of law violations. DAD Greenberg previously held leadership roles in the FBI’s Dallas and Chicago offices. He will take a few questions at the end of his talk and we’re grateful he’s taking the time to talk about important issues facing us today.
I am very excited to report that National Shomrim will have its first event in over a year. Team Israel, the nation’s Olympic team that is headed to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in August, will be playing the New York Boulders, a Frontier League baseball team, in an exhibition game on Monday, July 12, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at Palisades Credit Union Park in Pomona, NY. A limited amount of tickets are available at on a first come, first serve basis at $50.00 each. We have reserved two luxury suites with a fully catered kosher buffet with hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fruit, dessert and soft drinks (alcoholic beverages are not included and are available for sale at the ball park). This is a family friendly event that will allow us to show our Jewish pride and our support of Team Israel. National Shomrim Secretary Betty Astrizky is the point of contact for information on this great event, so please email her at BAstrizky@aol.com to reserve your tickets. Don’t delay!
Henri Portner
President