On National Peace Officers Memorial Day, celebrated this year on May 15, the synagogues of the barrier island feted the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) for a well-deserved barbecue hosted by the BACH Jewish Center. The timely event occurred on the federally designated day set aside annually to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers.
More than 150 people came to show their support and participate in the festivities at the barbecue.
The barbecue featured a delicious traditional kosher fare and presented opportunities for families to engage with the officers sworn to protect their community.
Afterwards, the BACH youth department expressed their gratitude by handing colorful cards and notes they had prepared in advance. One child drew a picture of her holding an officer’s hand. “Thank you for protecting us,” the note said.
“We are extremely thankful to law enforcement for the safety and security they provide our community, to the officers who put themselves on the frontline every day to serve and protect us.” said BACH leader Rabbi Benny Berlin. “The last few years have brought a tremendous uptick in antisemitic activity across our state, something which has been quite jarring both as a Jew and a leader of a Jewish community. From their regular provision of additional security for holidays to their local patrol of our streets, the LBPD’s endless service on our behalf has garnered infinite appreciation from the Jewish community in Long Beach as a whole.”
“We’re extremely thankful to the BACH Jewish Center for hosting us this past Sunday,” said Long Beach Police Commissioner Ronald Walsh Jr. “We’re thankful to have such a diverse city and to work with all of our faith-based communal partners. Our team here is inspired by the support and appreciation the community shows to our officers, and it’s a testament to the thriving partnership between the Long Beach Police Department and the Jewish community here in Long Beach.”
To learn more about these programs, please visit the BACH’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BACHJewishCenter) and Instagram pages (https://www.instagram.com/bachjewishcenter/).
