David Shimshi

We as Jews should be grateful that on November 29th 1947 the United Nations General Assembly voted to partition Palestine into a Jewish and Arab State. We finally would have our own homeland. On May 14th 1948 the Israeli Declaration of Independence, Hakhrazat HaAtzma'ut came to be. For us in Shomrim we celebrated Israel's Independence and 60th birthday on Sunday June 1st at the Salute to Israel Parade. It was truly wonderful to see so many uniform members in their dress uniforms that day. Our civilian turnout was equally spectacular. I know everyone had as good a time as I did. At our Collation prior to the Parade, Central Synagogue was kind enough to show us the Torah that was saved and restored from the Holocaust. Thank you to Bro. Lou Weiser for making this possible. The celebration continued the next day as Jews throughout the world rejoiced on June 2nd commemorating Yom Yerushalayim the 41st anniversary of Jerusalem's reunification.

On Sunday May 18th the Shomrim Society along with our friends in the Holy Name Society held a joint Family Day and barbecue at the Police Museum. I along with Brother Steve Litwin and Brian Reilly, President of the Holy Name Society worked the grills (and did an outstanding job if I may say so) and cooked for our members and for the children of Ronald McDonald House. Everyone had a great time. Later that evening I along with Brother's Bensimon, Franco and Litwin had the pleasure of presenting the Colors at the Bnai Zion Dinner. Bnai Zion is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Our own Honorary member, Mel Parness who is a past President of Bnai Zion, received an award that evening. In addition, I would like to wish Mel a very happy 70th birthday.

Upcoming events will include our Father's Day picnic in Wantagh Park in Long Island. I'm sure we will have a great time. Brother Franco is working exceptionally hard and I am sure he will do an excellent job and deserves all the accolades we can give him. With the Summer approaching so quickly we have only one other event before we go our separate ways on vacation. Our Oneg Shabbat will be held on June 27th at the East Midwood Jewish Center. The front page of the bulletin has all the information you need to contact the chairman of the event, Brother Margolis. During the Summer, we will participate in the relay for life. This will be held on July 26th & 27th at 216 Fort Washington Avenue in Manhattan. I'm sure Shomrim will once again shine through with an outstanding contribution to the American Cancer Society. Please contact Brother Steve Litwin for more information. Finally, let me congratulate Brother Harvey Hecker on being this year's Asser Levy Award winner. Harvey will receive this honor at our Annual Memorial Service and Breakfast on Sunday, October 26th. This is the last article before the Summer so let me wish all of you and your families an inspiring and joyous Shavuot and a happy, healthy and safe Summer. Hope to see all of you in September.