Miami Mayor Meets with Jewish Leaders

In Miami-Dade County, Florida, the mayor’s senior staff assembled Jewish Leaders from around the county to attend a High Holiday meeting with High-ranking members of the Miami-Dade Police and Fire Depts., Florida Highway Patrol and the Miami-Dade Medical examiner’s office.

During the meeting, issues were discussed ranging from assisting seniors to terrorism risks. Miami-Dade Police Dept. Major Jeter explained that in Miami-Dade there are over 70 synagogues, and many more community centers and schools, and discussed the security measures that he, along with Chief Randy Heller – who was also in attendance – and the Dept. heads of the MDPD had taken to insure the safety of the Jewish Community.

The Fire Dept. delegation of Battalion chief Hugh Bruder, EMS Division Chief John Krumenacker and Deputy Fire Marshal Giovanni Ulloa discussed several issues that had come up over past holidays, as well as solutions for them. A MDPD Homeland security representative was also in attendance.

Yona Lunger of Chesed Shel Emes of South Florida provided a list of rabbis and community leaders who would be available over Yomtov to assist the Fire Dept. and EMS with their tasks.

After a brief overview of the Jewish Holidays’ laws and customs by Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, President of the Orthodox Alliance of Florida, and a discussion of Jewish laws regarding emergencies and death-related issues by Mark Rosenberg, Florida Coordinator of Chesed Shel Emes, the emergency personal went around the room asking various questions.

Dr. Bruce Hyma, Chief of the medical examiner’s office, spoke about his close working relationship with Chesed Shel Emes, how important these meetings are and how his office stands ready and able to assist the community.

Rabbi Yossi Marlow, rabbi of the Chabad community in North Miami Beach, responded to many questions raised by the EMS and fire Personnel. Rabbi Moshe Kievman from the Family Shul in Highland Lakes discussed the handling of overflow crowds and traffic concerns. Major Sammy Thomas of the Florida Highway Patrol discussed security concerns. His offer to work on the problem and assist for the holiday season was welcomed by all.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez appeared at the meeting and thanked the members of his staff and the rabbis who attended. He spoke about security concerns at this time of heightened tensions and offered blessings to the rabbis and leaders for a sweet and healthy New Year.

Rabbi Leibel Shapiro, head of Yeshiva Gedola of Greater Miami and recognized posek worldwide, presented the mayor with a honey cake, as well as a brief word of inspiration for the holidays.

Rabbi Benzion Korf, Headmaster of Lubavitch Educational Center, thanked the mayor for his recent visit to the school, which boasts over 900 students. The mayor spoke about how impressed he was with the school. He then thanked all the staff and rabbis for working together to make Miami-Dade the wonderful place that it is for Jews to live.