Since Oct. 7, our community has mobilized in support of acheinu Bnei Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael in an extraordinary way. However, recently we have found ourselves beset here in Bergen County by those who want to harass, intimidate and keep us from living our lives as proud Jews. In response, many members of our community have mobilized once again, this time on our own behalf. We write today to share steps we have been taking to mobilize as a community with greater structure and with a clear strategy moving forward.
First, the rabbanim of the RCBC have recently elected Rabbi Daniel Fridman to a new position, vice president, community engagement. Rabbi Fridman has worked
tirelessly on behalf of the Teaneck community for months, coordinating with local elected officials, the town manager’s office and law enforcement officials. Rabbanim from each town we represent will serve as liaisons to Rabbi Fridman in a similar capacity as RCBC representatives for community engagement in their towns.
We thank Rabbi Zev Goldberg (Bergenfield), Rabbi Sammy Bergman (Fort Lee), Rabbi Chaim Poupko (Englewood), Rabbi Andrew Marlkowitz (Fair Lawn), and Rabbi Daniel Wolff (Paramus) for taking on these roles. Rabbi Fridman will be the representative in Teaneck, and he will coordinate with the representatives of the other towns. We are proud of our close relationships with law enforcement and local governments, and we are appreciative of all they have done on our behalf. We look forward to using this more formalized structure to enhance that collaboration.
Second, we have embarked on a new partnership between the RCBC and the
Bergen County Jewish Action Committee (BCJAC). BCJAC has likewise been
working tirelessly on behalf of the Jewish community, planning rallies and events,
coordinating advocacy, and liaising with local officials. This partnership will allow for greater collaboration and strategy as it relates to our planning of rallies, community events and local advocacy, as well as more streamlined communication to the community.
Third, we are finalizing plans for a Freedom March on Sunday, April 7 in Teaneck.
This will be an opportunity to gather in the streets of our county in proud support of Israel. Please stay tuned for details.
It is time for the Bergen County Jewish community to unite, as proud Jews and proud supporters of Israel, more than ever. We will not cancel shul events, we will not be afraid to walk the streets of our county, and we will continue to call upon our local officials to exert all efforts to keep our community safe and free of harassment and bullying. We want every member of our community to know we are here for you and we stand with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your rabbi; Rabbi Fridman at [email protected]; or our president, Rabbi Beni Krohn at rbk@yjot org.
With prayers for safety, security and success for the soldiers of the IDF, a safe return of all the hostages, and a return of quiet to our streets.
