It is so heartening to see the reaching out and healing energy that Elie Katz and the Teaneck leadership have shown all throughout this viral crisis and now in the face of violent unrest. I lived in Teaneck during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s when racial tension was at its height and cities around the country were burning. I was in junior high school when MLK Jr. was assassinated and it wasn’t pretty even in Teaneck. We walked home in groups from school to protect ourselves from angry mobs.

What I want to say the most is thank you to you and your colleagues for the hard work you have done over the past 15+ years that prepared the ground for managing today’s tough times. Your efforts to unify and work with all groups and religions in Teaneck over many years has borne fruit and will continue to bear fruit as everyone feels included and valued and part of the solution and not part of the problem. Your leadership in particular over the past few months has been spectacular. I especially value your daily TidBits for trustworthy updates and uplifts as well as your Sunday interfaith prayer meetings and the regular updates from the town manager. All are constructive and meaningful and lead the community forward. There is too much blaming and shaming going on in our culture these days, but you and the town leadership have risen above it. Blessings for continued strength and with much gratitude,