STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island hosted its Fall Food Distribution, bringing together volunteers, law enforcement and community organizations to serve families in need.
Youth volunteers from the Kids Give Back program played a central role in the distribution, packing bags and assisting families under the guidance of Making a Change with Kindness. Annesa Ali, CEO and founder of MACK and COJO’s chief of staff, said the program teaches young people to practice compassion through service.
“Seeing our youth enthusiastically packing bags and assisting families demonstrates that compassion is an active choice,” Ali said. “They are learning that by serving our neighbors, they are actively Making a Change with Kindness and building a stronger, more empathetic Staten Island.”
Law enforcement officers from the NYPD Community Affairs and NYS MTA Police provided security and traffic management for the event. Captain Ryan Russel, commanding officer of the NYS MTA Police District 9, said the partnership extends beyond logistics.
Mendy Mirocznik, COJO, president; Joe Rayski, Amazon; Annesa Ali, founder and CEO of MACK; and chief of staff, COJO; joined with Mya Collins and Mia Collins; the dynamic youth leaders, MACK pictured together.Courtesy of COJO
“Our participation goes beyond traffic control; it’s about bridging community relations with law enforcement,” Russel said. “Working alongside COJO, we are not only building a great relationship with their organization but actively demonstrating our commitment to serving and protecting the residents of Staten Island.”
COJO President Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik credited the collaborative effort for the event’s success, thanking volunteers, partners and law enforcement.
Assemblyman Michael Reilly; Rabbi Aharon Zeev, Mara D’Atra, Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan of Staten Island; Natalia Borushchak, COJO legal consul; Community Affairs Officer John Sibal; Community Officer Beshouy Rizkalla; Mendy Mirocznik, COJO, president; Annesa Ali, founder and CEO of MACK; Joe Rayski, Amazon; Community Affairs Officer Brian Postiglione; and Community Affairs Sean Mondello pictured together helping out.Courtesy of COJO
“The NYPD Community Affairs and the NYS MTA Police were not just supporters; they were a key, crucial partner, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and tremendous success of this distribution,” Rabbi Mirocznik said. “It truly takes an entire community to deliver hope, and everyone stepped up.”
Assemblyman Michael Reilly praised the integration of police and community in the effort and pledged continued support for the food pantry program.
The distribution received support from several partners, including Joe Rayski from Amazon, Gary Tai and Carina Vizhnay from Anthem, Jenny Palaguachi from the Health Education Project, and Carlos Londono from VNS Health, who volunteered alongside other participants.
Rabbi Aharon Zeev of Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan, which hosted the event, said opening the synagogue’s doors for the distribution reflects the congregation’s values.
“Seeing members of our congregation, alongside the wider community, lending a helping hand to neighbors in need is truly inspiring,” Zeev said. “It is the highest expression of our values.”
Iva Reuven, who oversees COJO Food Pantry and Social Services, coordinated the on-site operations with community volunteers. She said the dedication of volunteers ensures families receive support with dignity.
NYPD Community Affairs Officers Brian Postiglione, Beshouy Rizkalla, John Sibal, Sean Mondello and Scott Gusenfitter participated in the event, along with Chaplain Imam Tahir Kukai and Captain Russel.