Amid anti-Semitic attacks, 600 Jewish teens thank law enforcement at Long Branch gathering

Hundreds of Jewish teenagers honored and thanked law enforcement officials in Long Branch on Jan. 3, 2020. (Photo: Courtesy of NCSY)
Hundreds of Jewish teenagers honored and thanked law enforcement officials in Long Branch last week. The gesture was planned long before the recent rash of anti-Semitic attacks that have plagued the tri-state area, organizers say, but took on even more meaning in its wake. The teens “expressed appreciation to law enforcement officers for keeping the local Jewish community safe,” organizers said.
The more than 600 teenagers were attending NCSY’s annual winter convention, Aspire Yarchei Kallah. NCSY is a worldwide Jewish youth group, formerly known as the National Conference of Synagogue Youth. It is organized under the auspices of the Orthodox Union.
“Your service is inspiring for the teens who are joining us from all across the country. You are role modeling the ideals of this great country — that all citizens have the right to safety and security. We are blessed to live in a country of justice and morality, and to be associated with the finest police and agencies,” said Rabbi Micah Greenland, international director of NCSY and Rabbi Aryeh Wielgus, regional director of NJ NCSY.