Thank you, Councilmember Elie Y. Katz, for organizing the community safety update meeting on the evening of October 26. It was an informative and valuable tool to bring together all of the communities in Teaneck to better understand resources and partners ensuring our continued safety and security. The remarks and questions were thought-provoking, challenged misconceptions, and were educational for those on both sides of the dais.

It was heartwarming and promising to see fellow residents and citizens from across all groups, religions, neighborhoods and political affiliations in attendance. We were able to listen to each other’s fears, concerns and hopes. It was refreshing to participate in an apolitical, nonpartisan and unified event here in the Township. We are not only “One Town,” we are “One Teaneck.”

Many thanks as well to the other council members who attended—Mark Schwartz and Karen Orgen—and I challenge those who did not attend to explain to the Teaneck community why you did not participate in this forum, or, if you had a prior commitment, did not send a delegate. I urge you to engage with and listen to your fellow citizens, elected Teaneck officials, along with the local, county, state and federal leaders who did participate.

Avi Berliner
Teaneck