CJP Honors Law Enforcement Leaders with Interfaith Leadership Awards

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Combined Jewish Philanthropies

Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), Greater Boston’s Jewish Federation, honored local law enforcement leaders for their partnership in service of protecting the local Jewish and interfaith Communities at its first annual law enforcement appreciation event at the Great American Beer Hall in Medford Wednesday night. The celebration recognizes the hard work and collaboration between law enforcement and CJP’s Communal Security Initiative (CSI), which provides professional security advice, trainings, and support to 250 Jewish organizations in the Greater Boston area.

In remembrance of the late Canton Police Chief Ken Berkowitz, who retired from the force in 2022 and supported CSI as an advisor until 2024, the Interfaith Leadership Award is given to law enforcement officials who represent their municipality’s partnership with CSI to support thriving Jewish communities and safety for all. This year’s recipients include:

• Chief Jen Paster, Brookline Police Department: The Brookline Police Department’s expertise in relationship development with Jewish community, clergy, and leaders has engendered trust and supported the improved safety for all Brookline residents. CSI and Brookline PD collaborate to support churches, schools, synagogues, and community organizations proactively and in times of acute need.

• Chief George McMains, Newton Police Department: The Newton Police Department’s prioritization of community engagement has been highly beneficial to its Jewish and interfaith communities. Its proactive, well-rounded approach to community relations has been imperative in responding both in day-to-day inquiries and emergent incidents. The department is a valued partner to CSI in Massachusetts’ largest Jewish community.

• Michael Cox, City of Boston Police Commissioner and Chief of Boston Police Department: The Boston Police Department has been a consistently excellent and responsive partner to CSI in their shared goals of addressing community threats and challenges. Together, they have collaborated on community education, response to graffiti, threats, life safety incidents, and more.

“Our work through the Communal Security Initiative relies upon strong relationships with local law enforcement,” said Jeremy Yamin, Vice President of Security and Operations at CJP managing the Communal Security Initiative. “These awards are a thank you to law enforcement leaders and their departments. In a time of rising antisemitism and attacks on interfaith partners, we value their expertise and shared commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

After a Hanukkah blessing, candle-lighting, and short awards ceremony, 125+ attendees were encouraged to network and continue building the relationships that are integral to successful communal security planning in the Greater Boston region.