May 2025
Benjamin Gelber
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I attended the South Florida Shomrim annual picnic on March 30th. I enjoyed meeting a group of Board Officers as well as the other fine members. The weather didn’t cooperate, but they still managed to conduct a great event for their substantially large turnout. I hope this will be the first of many Shomrim chapter events that I can attend, based on my work obligations. Thank you to my executive boards of National and NYPD Shomrim for all that you do, and for being the backbone of this great organization.
We have alot going on in the upcoming months. There will be a Kaddish service in Washington DC on Tuesday, May 13, at 0930 HOURS, Judiciary Square, Washington DC. This is where we remember everyone who lost their life in the line of duty. If your able to attend, please do, it’s a very meaningful service. Let us remember our fallen, and let their families know, we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Next, we have the Celebrate Israel parade. This year’s theme is “Ha,Tikvah – The Hope.” This most important event is taking place on Sunday, May 18th. We will be starting at 0830 hours at Temple Emanuel for our Pre-Parade Collation, followed by the kick off of the parade at 1100 hours at 56 street and 5th Avenue. Please attend. Active UMOS come in dress uniform. Last year we had a great turnout and the NYPD was prepared for anything, thankfully there were no issues, and everyone had a great time. We will not be silenced or scared to show support for Israel. This year let’s make it bigger and better than last year. We are revamping the collation menu, and upgrading the food… even more reason to come. Lets fill the streets with Shomrim Pride, stand strong and loudly voice our love for Israel. We pray for the release of the hostages ASAP.
Our May meeting will take place on Monday, May 19th, in Brooklyn, at the VFW Post 107, 2414 Gerritsen Ave. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Brooklyn members, come out and show Shomrim your hometown pride. The annual Old Timers Luncheon, always a great time, will be held at Ben’s Delicatessen. See information elsewhere in this publication. No one leaves this gathering without a smile and a full stomach.
Our annual Shomrim Society Dinner and Dance will take place, Thursday, June 5th, 2025 at 1800 (6 P.M.) Da Mikelle Palazzo, Queens NY. Please come and show support to your Shomrim Society. Please get your tickets early. It will be an awesome event and I look forward to greeting everyone. Again the date is June 5th.
Father’s Day family day picnic is scheduled for Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at Floyd Bennet Field in Brooklyn. Come one, Come all, to yet another Shomrim Food Festival. Glatt Kosher BBQ, hang out with old friends and make some new ones. Lots of fun for the kids, with all the NYPD specialized units. Event Flyer on line. For those considering joining the Shomrim Mission to Israel, we need you to sign up now, so that we can make this trip happen. Please consider going if you’re able to. Please see Bro. Steve Lane or myself to reserve your spot. I saw the itinerary, the trip looks amazing. You won’t be disappointed.
Please check up on each other. Sometimes we have so much going on, that we overlook the simple things in life. Please take a minute to thank your family and friends for all they do for you and check in to make sure everyone is ok. Sadly too many great people fall victim to depression and suicide. Don’t let a loved one make a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If I haven’t already said it, thank you to each and every member of the Shomrim Society for all that you do. It doesn’t go unnoticed. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
Fraternally,
Benjamin Gelber
President