November 2025
Benjamin Gelber
This past month has been one of the most heartbreaking and emotional times in the history of the NYPD Shomrim Society. We lost our beloved spiritual leader, Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass, a man whose wisdom, compassion and guidance touched every one of us.
For over six decades, Rabbi Kass served as the moral compass of the New York City Police Department. His presence was a source of strength during times of sorrow and a voice of reason in moments of uncertainty. To so many of us, he was not just the Chief Chaplain – he was a mentor, a friend and a true tzaddik whose light illuminated the lives of everyone he encountered.
On behalf of the entire Shomrim family, we extend our deepest condolences to Rabbi Kass’s family. May they find comfort in knowing how profoundly loved and respected he was by generations of officers, colleagues and friends across the city.
May his neshama have an aliyah, and may his memory be an everlasting blessing. It is now up to all of us to continue his legacy – to serve with integrity, kindness and compassion, just as he taught us.
In the coming months, the Shomrim Society will find meaningful ways to honor and remember Rabbi Kass, ensuring that his spirit continues to inspire us and guide the next generation.
Yehi zichro baruch – May his memory be a blessing forever.
We have some great events coming up in December. The annual menorah lighting will be at One Police Plaza on Monday December 15th, 2025 at 5:30 PM We also have Jewish Heritage Night Hockey, Thursday, December 11th, 2025 at 7 PM at UBS Arena. Dont miss out on this great event. Every ticket purchased through our link, will receive an Islanders Jewish Heritage beanie. Please join us as these will be our last Shomrim Events for 2025. Govenment elections often bring out strong emotions and differing opinions, but now that the results are in, we must look ahead – together. As police officers, our duty is to serve the city and support its duly elected leadership. Now, more than ever, it is important for us to come together as a society – united in purpose, bound by faith and strengthened by our values. With the recent election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City, I want to take a moment to address our membership as both police officers and proud members of the Jewish Community.
Regardless of how any of us may have voted, the people of New York have spoken. As public servants, it is our duty – and our responsibility – to respect the democratic process and to work with the administration in place for the betterment of our city. We must remain practical, professional and united, continuing to serve with the same integrity and dedication that have always defined the NYPD Shomrim Society. Supporting the new administration does not mean abandoning our values, it means engaging constructively to ensure those values have a seat at the table.
As Jewish Officers, we also have the opportunity to show leadership – by engaging respectfully, by advocating for our community through cooperation and dialogue, and by demonstrating that our values of justice, compassion and respect for all are not dependent on politics, but on principle.
Now, more than ever, we must stand together as a society – supporting one another, supporting our city and moving forward with unity and purpose.
Thank you for all that you do each day to uphold the proud traditions of both the NYPD and the Jewish community.
Fraternally,
Benjamin Gelber, President