Commissioners Support an “Evening of Unity for Israel”

Published on January 31, 2024

IDF Paratrooper Honored at Chabad Center in Randolph

Morris County Commissioner Deborah Smith visited the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Randolph on Sunday for an “Evening of Unity for Israel,” during which she presented a Resolution of Honor to an Israel Defense Forces paratrooper, Sergeant Major Noam Buskila, who has been on the front lines of battle in Israel.

“On this day, January 28, 2024, Sergeant Major Noam Buskila is being honored by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners for his heroic service as a paratrooper in the IDF. He has actively participated in the defense of Israel against terrorist attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah. Morris County applauds Sergeant Major Noam Buskila and prays for his safety in future missions defending the people of Israel,” said Commissioner Smith.

Guests were treated to a musical performance by Sgt. Major Buskila, who is also a talented singer and songwriter. A portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to Israel.

Commissioner Smith thanks Rabbi Avraham Bekhor for the invitation to the special evening that included Sheriff James Gannon, former State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, State Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Randolph Mayor Christine Carey and Randolph Councilmembers Mark Forstenhausler, Joe Hathaway, Lou Nisivoccia and Marie Potter.

The County Commissioners publicly declared their support for Israel during an October 11 Commissioner public meeting and several subsequent community gatherings.

The Jewish community has shaped Morris County’s history for more than 150 years. Jewish settlers began arriving in Morris County as far back as the Civil War. These early Jews settled in Morristown, a market town, Dover, a Morris Canal stop that grew around the area’s early iron industry, and the farming communities of Pine Brook in Montville and Mount Freedom in Randolph.

###

Photos

Photo 1: IDF Paratrooper Sgt. Major Noam Buskila and Commissioner Deborah Smith.

Photo 2: (l-r, front) Commissioner Deborah Smith, Randolph Councilmember Marie Potter, Randolph Mayor Christine Carey and Randolph Councilmember Mark Forstenhausler. (l-r, back) Randolph Councilmembers Joe Hathaway and Lou Nisivoccia, former State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli.