In a landmark display of coordination and partnership, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office—under the leadership of Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz—hosted its first-ever Pre-Passover security briefing, bringing together more than 160 members of law enforcement, elected officials, and Jewish community leaders from across South Florida. Speaking to YWN, Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, Senior Advisor and Chief Chaplain to the Sheriff, emphasized the significance of the meeting. “We’ve held holiday briefings for many years, but this was the first time the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office itself hosted it,” Rabbi Rosenberg said. “With so many Jewish families traveling to Florida for Passover and increased activity in shuls, hotels, and neighborhoods, it’s critical that all agencies are aligned and ready to respond to any situation that may arise.” Rabbi Rosenberg, who also serves as the Director of Chesed Shel Emes (CSE) of Florida and is Chief Chaplain for the Florida Highway Patrol and FDLE, noted the long-standing trusted relationship between CSE and law enforcement across the state. “The Sheriff has been attending these meetings for over a decade, and she has always assured the safety of the community—not only year-round but especially during the holidays. But now, for the first time in history, Miami-Dade has an elected Sheriff. As Sheriff of the largest county in Florida, she is able to continue ensuring the safety of the Jewish community while also hosting such vital meetings and having the influence to implement security measures across the entire county.” The meeting brought together representatives from federal, state, and local law enforcement, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals, ATF, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the United States Attorney’s Office, the Miami-Dade County District Attorney’s Office, and the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office. Numerous local departments were also present, including Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, Sweetwater, North Bay Village, and others. Also in attendance were Jewish leaders such as Rabbi Korf—head Rabbi of all Florida Chabad and a Chaplain to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office—and Israel’s Consul General in Miami, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Micky Steinberg, who represents a district with one of the largest Jewish populations in the county, participated as well. Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz told YWN, “Wednesday’s meeting was extremely meaningful. It allowed us to bring law enforcement from every level into one room and ensure they’re all aware of what’s needed to keep the Jewish community safe over the holiday. This is about ensuring that everyone feels protected.” Rabbi Rosenberg distributed CSE-branded security materials, including detailed booklets outlining local synagogues and programs, and led a comprehensive presentation on holiday preparedness. Topics covered included crowd management, security outside synagogues, pedestrian safety, and response coordination in the event of an emergency. “We reviewed every possible scenario,” said Rabbi Rosenberg. “Especially in light of the ongoing rise in antisemitism and global security concerns since October 7, it’s more important than ever that law enforcement be proactive, not just reactive.” He added, “I am extremely grateful to Sheriff Rosie for hosting such an unbelievable event. I’m also deeply thankful—and the entire Jewish community is appreciative—of the ongoing sensitivity and dedication that law enforcement across the state shows to the Jewish community during the holiday season and throughout Passover. These men and women […]