Hometown Hero

Rabbi Boruch Bender of Far Rockaway, CEO/Founder Achiezer

Posted

I  certainly never thought in my lifetime that we would have lived through such a period.  

Personally, those first initial weeks in March and April have left a long and lasting impression that I will not soon forget. The pain, the suffering, the loss of life during that horrific time was something unimaginable.

This pandemic has clearly reminded us that God is completely in charge of our every action, every step, every breath. From one minute to the next, nothing is in our hands. It has taught us to appreciate our loved ones, pay attention to those closest to us and to take nothing for granted.  

As a community we have suffered greatly and we have seen time and time again that the only way forward and the only way through this and the only way to support one another is exactly that; to be there for one another, to think of one another and to treat each other in the way we ourselves would like to be treated.

It is my fervent hope that this pandemic strengthens our resolve, strengthens our families, strengthens our communities and may we never face such a difficult challenge again.

Lastly, I wish to use this opportunity to express our boundless gratitude to the men and women of law enforcement; specifically the NCPD and NYPD, members of emergency medical services and Hatzalah as well as doctors, nurse, physician assistants, technicians and all other front-line workers that put themselves on the line on behalf of all of us.