Long Beach Jewish communities honor local police at annual appreciation event

Long Beach and Lido Beach Jewish community members showed their appreciation and honored the Long Beach Police Department and the Nassau County Police Department. The Aug. 31 event brought together law enforcement, their families, and synagogue members for an afternoon of food, solidarity and gratitude.

Now in its fourth year and hosted this year by the Lido Beach Synagogue, the event has become an ingrained civic tradition. It offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize the vital work of local police, especially during the high-traffic summer months when their presence is most visible and essential.

“This annual gathering is our heartfelt way of expressing deep appreciation for the officers who protect our community and their unwavering presence,” Bachurei Chemed Jewish Center’s spiritual leader and Long Beach Police Chaplain Rabbi Benny Berlin, said in a news release. “As Jewish communities across the country remain vigilant in the face of antisemitism, our partnership with local law enforcement has never been more vital. Their dedication brings us not only safety, but also strength and solidarity.”

In the days of yore, officers were placed outside synagogues to prevent Jews from uttering their most precious prayers,” Rabbi Elly Krimsky of the Lido Beach Synagogue, said in the release. “Today we live in a free society and a country that guarantees our religious rights. As we recite those prayers later in the service, an officer now stands guard over our synagogue. Instead of preventing us from praying, you officers put your lives on the line to assure that we can pray.

Attendees enjoyed a classic barbecue spread of hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled chicken wings. Officers and community members connected over shared stories and laughter that created an atmosphere of unity and mutual appreciation.

“Gatherings like this remind us that we are not separate groups, we are one Long Beach community,” Police Commissioner Richard DePalma, said in the release. Our shared commitment to one another makes this city so special.”

“Every house of worship across the United States should be doing exactly what this community has done,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in the release.