A special event took place at the Jewish Children’s Museum on June 10, providing a firsthand glimpse into the different law enforcement forces. The free day out, attended by over 4000 people, also showcased many hands on exhibitions allowing children and adults to interact with members of some of the country’s most elite security agencies.

Children enjoyed climbing aboard a real coast guard boat, learning how agents take fingerprints at crime scenes, and even got to pose with the presidential limousine. Grown-ups were fascinated by talks on real life criminal cases including the failed Times Square bombing and the events that led up to the capture of the perpetuators.

Organizer, Devorah Habersham of the Jewish Children’s Museum, feels that this was an important day for children of all walks of life and that “kids are able to walk away from this event knowing that there are people out there who are willing to help them,”. She lost her son to terrorism after the van he and other rabbinical students were traveling in, was shot at whilst passing over the Brooklyn Bridge 18 years ago. The Jewish Children’s Museum is dedicated to his memory.

FBI Assistant Director in Charge, Janice K. Fedarcyk, was on hand to greet attendees and answer questions. “We are so pleased to be able to arrange this event for the community, and build bridges between the people who live in our cities and local law enforcement.’
Rabbi Y. Lustig of Oholai Torah brought his excited class of boys to the event, ’most museums are covered in signs asking children not to touch, the Jewish Children’s Museum encourages children to learn and explore on their own, the lessons that they learn here today will stay with them for the rest of their lives.’

NYPD 71st Precinct Captain John Lewis and members of the local precinct were also in attendance, and the crowds were delighted by a quick visit from Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, Raymond Kelley.

‘This really was a fabulous day out, thank you to all involved’ said Jennifer Brandley who came to the event from nearby Park Slope with her two children.




Photos: Chana Blumes
Slide Show: Rivkah Borenstein