“This Is Not A Time For Fear — This Is A Time To Stand Strong Together”

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NYPD Briefs Queens Jewish Community Ahead Of Pesach Amid Rising Global Threats

With Pesach just days away, the Jewish communities of Queens — including our vibrant Bukharian neighborhoods — are preparing for z’man cheiruteinu with both anticipation and awareness, as the NYPD delivered a powerful and sobering pre-Pesach security briefing at One Police Plaza on Thursday evening, March 26.

The annual gathering brought together senior NYPD leadership, elected officials, and Jewish communal representatives from across the five boroughs. Queens stood out prominently, reflecting its strength, unity, and growing role as a center of Jewish life in New York.

From Forest Hills and Rego Park to Kew Gardens Hills and Hillcrest, community leaders, rabbanim, and askanim filled the room — many representing the Bukharian community, known for its warmth, cohesion, and deep respect for tradition.

A particularly meaningful moment came with the introduction of Rabbi Gabriel (Manes) Kogan as an NYPD Chaplain. As the longtime spiritual leader of the Hillcrest Jewish Center and a U.S. Army chaplain, Rabbi Kogan’s presence reflects the deep connection between Queens communities and the institutions that serve them.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the audience with a message that was both direct and deeply personal. “In my 18 years in government, I have not seen a threat environment quite like this one,” she said, describing a world where multiple threats — from organized terror groups to lone actors — are active at the same time.

She referenced recent attacks across the United States and abroad, including incidents targeting Jewish institutions, making clear that communities like ours are not immune.

“These are perilous times,” she said. “And I know you feel the stress — in your shuls, your schools, your community centers, and your homes.”

But her message was not one of fear.

“This is not a time for fear. This is a time to face these threats head-on.”

In a moment that resonated deeply with the audience, Commissioner Tisch connected her message to the meaning of Pesach itself. “The Torah calls Pesach Chag HaMatzot,” she said. “And matzah is central to the Seder.”

But she highlighted a deeper truth:

“We call it lechem oni — the bread of affliction.”

That dual meaning, she explained — suffering alongside redemption — reflects not only the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim, but the entire journey of the Jewish people.

“Time and again, we have faced hatred because we are Jews,” she said. “And time and again, we have endured.”

In preparation for Yom Tov, the NYPD is significantly increasing its presence across Jewish neighborhoods — including many throughout Queens and Bukharian areas.

Residents will see:

Increased patrols around shuls and yeshivos

Counterterrorism units and heavy weapons teams

K-9 units and rapid response deployments

Dedicated House of Worship officers

Close coordination with local precinct community affairs teams

These measures are designed to both prevent threats and provide reassurance as families gather for Sedarim.

Officials also addressed the continued rise in anti-Semitic incidents.

While many cases involve vandalism, the broader trend remains troubling. In Queens, incidents have touched close to home, reinforcing the importance of vigilance.

At the same time, there is strength in response.

“New Yorkers are standing up,” Tisch noted. “They are reporting. They are saying — no more.”

Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner emphasized that security is a shared responsibility.

“Your awareness — your willingness to speak up — is critical,” she said.

Community members were urged to review security measures, ensure cameras are working, and report anything suspicious.

For the Bukharian community — known for strong family ties and close-knit neighborhoods — this sense of responsibility comes naturally.

Rabbi Kogan brought the evening back to its spiritual foundation. He reflected on the Torah’s instruction that neighbors join together for the Korban Pesach, emphasizing that no Jew stands alone.

“If a household is too small, you bring in your neighbor,” he said. He also spoke about Leil Shimurim — the night of protection — reminding the audience that just as Hashem watched over klal Yisrael, today there are those who stand guard over our communities as well.

The evening concluded as it began with a moving performance by international Jewish recording artist and my dear friend Eli Levin, whose rendition of the national anthem and later on “God Bless America” underscored the unity between the Jewish community and those who protect it.

As families across Queens — including our Bukharian community — prepare for Pesach, the message from the NYPD was clear:

Be aware.

Be connected.

Stand strong together.

Because just as matzah reminds us of both hardship and redemption, so too does our present moment.

And just as our people have endured throughout history — we will continue to do so, together.

By Shabsie Saphirstein