When a plane full of passengers from Eretz Yisroel arrived just before Shabbos, Askonim were ready, and went into overdrive mode to get the passengers home for Shabbos.
The plane, chartered with approximately 287 passengers, was supposed to arrive Thursday evening, but due to security issues was delayed, and was scheduled to arrive just before the Zman – approximately 5:00 PM.
Askonim from Brooklyn and Lakewood mobilized.
Coordinating the efforts in Brooklyn, were Rabbi Dave Haber, Rabbi Raphael Netanal and Rabbi Raymon Sulton, Director of the Sefardic Heritage Museum, who also underwrote the flight costs.
Coordinating in the Lakewood area, were Meir Lichtenstein, Lakewood Police Captain LeRoy Marshall, and Lakewood Police Community Affairs Liaison Ben Inzelbuch.
The Askonim immediately coordinated with customs to open multiple lanes, and ordered buses to quickly bus passengers as soon as they got off the plane. Then, Askonim contacted their contact in the Port Authority to ensure the passengers can get off the plane immediately after landing, and rush them through security and onto the waiting buses.
“Whatever you need, you are getting,” Lt. Gyson of the Port Authority told Lakewood Police Community Affairs Liaison Ben Inzelbuch, who traveled to Newark Airport together with Sgt. Frank Work, Ptl. Jason Yahr, Ptl. Mark Gibbson, Traffic Safety officer David Marcado and Ptl. David Soriano to handle the Lakewood passengers. Back in Lakewood, Captain LeRoy Marshall – who cancelled a planned trip to remain in Lakewood – was in town coordinating patrols, as well as operations for this special detail.
As soon as the plane touched down, the officers were escorted onto the plane so they can make the necessary announcements to the passengers.
Liaison Inzelbuch made an announcement on the plane, notifying the passengers that all has been arranged, and that they should follow instructions of the Lakewood and Port Authority officers.
Approximately 30 minutes later, the passengers – approximately 40 from the Lakewood area – were processed through customs and on buses.
When the Lakewood area passengers arrived back home shortly after Shkiah, the Lakewood police officers helped them off the bus, and brought their carry-on luggage on Muktzah items into their homes for them.
“The efforts by our Lakewood officers were incredible and we’re lucky to have such a department,” said Inzelbuch. “They are always there for us to step up to the plate at a moments notice.”
Inzelbuch added, “on behalf of the Lakewood Police Department and all the passengers, I want to give a tremendous shutout to Lt. Gyson and his crew at the Port Authority for ensuring the process went as smooth as possible during these challenging times.”
Wow! That really is amazing !!
The commitment and passion the Lakewood police has for the Jewish community is something evrey town should learn from thank you Ben and the team for once again showing us the love and care we need to see when we’re in unknown situations.
A real big thank you to each person who was involved with this tremendous Chessed-Mitzva-Thank you so much to all of you that were helping.
May the Almighty send to all of your families lots and lots of good health.
what about Techum Shabbos?
Thank you Posek Hador Lomed. I’m sorry the didn’t discuss with you before initiating the operation. Next time they will call you first.
Sounds beautiful, but just wondering, there are countless frum communities closer to the airport (Passaic, Elizabeth, Teaneck etc) where they could’ve stayed for Shabbos. What’s the heter to travel to Lakewood when in all honesty it’s impossible to leave the airport before 5:20/5:30. That’s with a minimum of 50 min travel time to Lakewood not including 5 pm rush hour. I just hope a Rabbi was consulted beforehand….
Chaveirim Of Linden was there with a few volunteers and had a few school buses on standby in case they want to stay local there was plenty of people from the linden community and Surrounding neighborhoods Elizabeth Hilldside that offered places to eat or sleep for them
They did not want to stay the buses ware scheduled to arrive before the zman motzi
Captain LeRoy Marshall is a tzaddik and a true friend of the Orthodox community. Both he and his wife, Marcy, make personal sacrifices to ensure that Lakewood is a safe and comfortable home for our community. We owe them a lot of hakaras hatov for everything they do for us. Thank you Marshall family and everyone involved in this amazing act of kindness!
So so sad, all those people will never be the same. Every thing they heard and saw, 😪
Thank you Ben Inzelbuch for your heroic work!
Did they arrive just on time or after shkiah? I’m confused.
Yes, I’m confused too. Something is missing…