Magen David High School Shows Some Love For The NYPD
In the wake of recent terror attacks in France at the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and at a Kosher supermarket – which left many Jewish communities shaken – elected officials joined the faculty and students of Magen David Yeshivah High School (7801 Bay Parkway) on Tuesday to demonstrate their unwavering support for the NYPD.
The audience sang the American and Israeli national anthems, and Rabbi Saul Zucker, the school’s principal, opened by referencing the massacre at Charlie Hebdo.
“We live in very, very turbulent times,” said Zucker. “We live in a world that sees daily, a violent assault on the values that we cherish. An assault by horrific people, who would, if they could, strike terror into the hearts of good and kind people. And there are two things that protect us. One, is God’s sacred providence, and two, is the courageous and brave people who serve the public selflessly in law enforcement.”
Turning to the students, Zucker said, “The police are your friends. They are looking out for you when nobody else is.”
Captain Nelson Chen of the 62nd Precinct and Deputy Inspector Carlos Valdez of the 61st Precinct were presented with plaques and artwork made by Magen David students. Officer Elliot Belilos, a Magen David graduate who went on to join the NYPD, also spoke a few words, expressing thanks to Magen David, the NYPD – his “second family” – and God.
Borough President Eric Adams then addressed room about the role the NYPD plays in a democratic society, making it possible for people of different backgrounds to communicate with each other.
“I’m here, not because I once wore the police uniform…I’m here because I believe in law and order, not law and disorder,” he said.
State Assemblyman Bill Colton said:
“These are very troubled times in the world, as well as in New York City, and it is really very gratifying to me that when we come into this assembly, we sing the national anthem of America and Israel – that isn’t done in a lot of schools. And that represents certain values, and those values need to be heard in our society, loud and clear. We have to deeply appreciate what our police officers do for us every day.”
Citing his experience as a history teacher, Councilman Mark Treyger expressed appreciation for the role of the NYPD in democracy.
“I believe there is certainly no conflict when we say we want to respect our civil rights and strongly support law enforcement at the same time,” he said. “I ask people: What is the constitution worth? What is any law worth that we pass in Washington and Albany… without law enforcement to carry it out?”
All the speakers were met with rounds of applause from the high school students, who seemed nervous and excited to have the elected officials and police in their auditorium. The bell rang, and Zucker closed with a strong pledge of support for the men and women in blue.
“We know that you have our backs, and today, we want you to know that we have your backs,” he said. “That nothing that goes on throughout the United States of America, New York, and Brooklyn – no demonstration, no protest – will happen without a response from this community saying, ‘we support you, we love you, we thank you, and we appreciate every day the bravery that you display.'”
Update (2:54pm): Magen David is planning a rally to support the NYPD for mid-February, which will include several other Jewish Day Schools, Catholic schools, and non-sectarian private schools.