Newark, NJ – Community leaders from various religious groups met Tuesday with members of law enforcement for the third annual Pre-Summer Community Leaders Conference in order to discuss preparations for the upcoming summer season.
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Over one hundred and fifty people participated in the event, which was arranged by the New Jersey State Police and took place at the FBI’s Newark headquarters, including representatives from the New Jersey State Police, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and religious and community leaders of all different faiths.
The three hour conference featured presentations by FBI representatives on counter terrorism and community outreach as well as presentations by the NJSP on their missing persons and anti-bullying programs. Both Major Gerald Lewis, commanding officer of the NJSP Community Affairs Division, and NJSP Superintendent Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes spoke about the importance of the annual gathering which continues to strengthen the already positive relationship between law enforcement and religious groups. FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Ward discussed the FBI’s continuing efforts in the war against terror and Department of Homeland Security Deputy Director Jenna Scott reassured participants that homeland security, particularly as related to communal affairs, is a high priority to the Obama administration.
A portion of the program was dedicated to discussing the logistics for the upcoming Siyum Hashas scheduled to take place in New Jersey on August 1st, with details of the event described by Rabbi Shlomo Gertzulin, a vice president at the Agudah.
“We understand the scope and magnitude of this event and how important it is to the Jewish community,” Major Lewis told VIN News. “The relationship between the NJSP and the Jewish community and its leaders continues to be a great partnership. We are fortunate to have such a great working relationship with community leaders, giving us the ability to prepare for this huge event as it unfolds and we expect everything to proceed smoothly.”
NJSP chaplains Rabbi Abe Freidman and Rabbi Yosef Carlebach closed the meeting by thanking the NJSP, Major Lewis, Colonel Fuentes and Special Agent Ward for hosting the annual conference, an event that serves to enhance community relations.
For participants at the pre-summer conference, the event was a positive experience and both community leaders and members of law enforcement were in agreement that much was accomplished during the three hour event.
“The community is extremely thankful to all members of law enforcement, both state and federal, for their sensitivity to all religious communities,” said Rabbi Abe Friedman.
“This was another great event,” said Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino. “This wasn’t about any single faith based community but about several communities working together towards a common goal. It was truly remarkable to see representatives of the Arab, Muslim and Jewish communities at this event. It is all about getting along and working together, not just in Bergen County but in the whole country.”
Nice to see women there too!
Rabbi Carlbach and Rabbi Abe Friedman, what a wonderful and great meeting this was. Keep up the good work on behalf of the community. NJ State Police Thank you again for hosting this meeting and improving community relations! Major Lewis, NJSP is lucky to have you on their staff !!
I’m glad to see all the “self proclaimed community activists” there. What would we do without people pouring money into politicians election campaigns so they can become community “liasons”