Chabad To Thank Police Officers

In light of the latest wave of attacks – verbal and physical – that have been waged against police forces across the country, on Tuesday, July 26, beginning at 4:00 pm, citizens from throughout the greater Conejo & West Valley will be joining together outside the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station in Agoura Hills for a bold demonstration of support for, and solidarity with, local law enforcement agencies.

Billed as “a celebration of honor, integrity, sacrifice and commitment,” the event is being sponsored by Chabad of the Conejo as an opportunity for people of all races, colors and creeds to express their common respect and appreciation for the vital role that the police play in maintaining the quality of life of civilized society.

“Whatever one’s political outlook or party affiliation may be, I think we can all agree that these men and women put their lives on the line for us every single day,” says Rabbi Moshe Bryski, Executive Director of Chabad of the Conejo, who is coordinating the effort. “How quickly so many have forgotten 9/11 when police officers ran into those towers to save lives, many losing their own lives in the process. This is behavior police officers exhibit all the time. They are heroes in our midst who safeguard our laws and our safe, decent and peaceful way of life.”

Bryski went on to say that he is deeply distressed by the onslaught of criticism, disparagement and condemnation – much of it, he feels, unjustified – police have been subject to in recent years, making it that much more difficult and dangerous for officers to do their already difficult and dangerous jobs.

“The recent horrific ambushes in Dallas and Baton Rouge struck at our very cores,” he says. “Lest officers of the law begin to see their positions as thankless ones, God forbid, I think it behooves those of us who benefit daily from their sacrifice and commitment to restore them to the honored and admired places they belong.

“While we can’t change national attitudes and discourses overnight,” Bryski went on to say, “we can do our small part on a local level to make our feelings about the keepers of our gates known. And if this catches on to other communities, perhaps it will lead to a sea-change in attitude around the rest of the country as well.”

As part of the “Police Appreciation Day” ceremonies, a podium will be set up outside the Lost Hills Sheriff Station, allowing for community and civil service leaders from across the spectrum to address the assembled. Chabad is going to great lengths to emphasize the nonsectarian nature of the event, as well as the positive nature of its tone and message. “A simple statement of appreciation and support” as organizers put it. Accordingly, participants are being encouraged to bring their children and grandchildren to the event, so as to reinforce their perception of police as the guardians of their communities to be appreciated, respected and looked up to. Participants are also being encouraged to create banners and posters expressing support and appreciation for the Police. Pizza, refreshments and drinks will be served to those on hand – courtesy of the members of Chabad of the Conejo.

“This will be a nondenominational, grassroots celebration,” says Rabbi Moshe Bryski. We encourage everyone – young and old – to come on out to the Lost Hills Sheriff Station next Tuesday at 4:00 pm, let your voices be heard, and show that you stand side by side with our men and woman in blue.”

The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is located at 27050 Agoura Road. Overflow Parking will be at the nearby Agoura-Calabasas Community Center – 27040 Malibu Hills Road.

For further information or to arrange for group participation, call (818) 991-0991.