This article originally appeared on silive.com and was authored by Carol Ann Benanti.
From the left, Police Officer Michael Jacobsen, Community Affairs, of the 121st Precinct; Mendy Mirocznik, President, COJO, and Officer John Sibal after packing Passover food packages at the 45th Annual Pre-Passover Food Distribution. (Courtesy/Mendy Mirocznik)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Though restrictions remain to slow the spread of the coronavirus on Staten Island and beyond, the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO-SI) hosted its Annual Passover food drive and distribution Wednesday at Young Israel of Staten Island — even if it meant bringing the event outdoors.
Some 800 Staten Island families will now be able to enjoy Passover with traditional foods necessary for a festive Seder and continue traditional holiday customs.
This year marks the 45th year of COJO helping to ensure that all members of the Staten Island community celebrate Passover in accordance with Jewish law.
Mendy Mirocznik, president of COJO, thanked Rev. Terry Troia, president of Project Hospitality and her team of 25 volunteers, who together with COJO did a great job in organizing the Passover food drive and distribution.
Scott Maurer, CEO & executive vice-president, COJO; and Mendy Mirocznik, president, COJO practicing social distancing at the annual Passover Food Drive. (Courtesy/Mendy Mirocznik)
Mirocznik stated, “COJO has been collaborating with Project Hospitality for some time now. Today’s distribution is historic where both COJO and Project Hospitality teamed up on a Passover venture and this project will be the building block for future collaborative efforts to further benefit all the residents of Staten Island.”
He added: “The positive spirit demonstrated today helped alleviate the down feeling that we are experiencing due to the Covid19, Coronavirus crises. It is love and fellowship that will get us through this crisis. It is only when good people partner up and work together, we get the strength, wisdom and fortitude to preserver through the challenges we face.”
Mirocznik thanked the generous COJO Food Pantry partners who made the Passover food drive and distribution possible, as well as Assemblyman Michael Cusick for his support and advocacy.
He acknowledged the Met Council on Poverty that donated Passover food items, arranged the delivery and coordinated with the Food Bank for New York City and City Harvest. He shouted praises for Rabbi Yaakov Lehrfield and President Robert Rosenberg of the Young Israel of Staten Island for once again hosting the Annual Pre-Passover Food Distribution.
Mirocznik concluded, “The COJO Passover Food Relief is just one component of our pantry that services all people of Staten Island. Our goal is to make sure that no person goes hungry on Staten Island.”
Scott Maurer, CEO of COJO agreed. “My dream is that no one should experience poverty and hunger and the pantry should go out of business due to a lack of clients in need,” he said. “However, until we reach that day, we here at COJO are in the business of combating hunger. In this time of uncertainty, we implore everyone to stay inside, if you must leave please maintain social distance and have a healthy Passover.”
“It was a privilege to be part of the Passover call to invite all who are hungry to come and eat,” said Troia. “Project Hospitality is an interfaith effort practicing the hospitality modeled by Abraham who prepared a feast for people he didn’t know and carrying out the mandate of Isaiah 58:7: ‘Share your bread with the poor and welcome the homeless Poor into your home.’ I am privileged to work side by side the Jewish community to feed people.”