By the Grace of G-d28th of Nissan, 5749(May 3, 1989)Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Joseph P. Calzerano
Assistant Chief
Police Department
City of New York
Greeting and Blessing:
Thank you very much for your letter of April 28, 1989.
I am aware of, and sincerely appreciate, your consistent efforts in your capacity as Commanding Officer, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South - to promote community harmony in Crown Heights.
Indeed, your personal attention and cooperation with all segments of the community, Jewish and gentile, has been a crucial factor in maintaining racial harmony in Crown Heights.
As for the concerns which you express in your letter, I see it as further attestation to your dedication and resolve to keep up your good work.
On the other hand, I am somewhat surprised at your suggestion that I directly intervene in a matter involving certain complaints, etc. It is generally well known that any and all matters relating to the local community have always been handled by the Jewish Community Council of Crown Heights in cooperation with your Department, and, as you attest in your letter competently and successfully. Moreover, as you write, you have met with representatives of the local Jewish community in the past and maintain direct communication with them. I am confident that you will continue to do so, and with concerted efforts and goodwill on the part of all concerned, there should be no problem too difficult to resolve.
I have reason to believe that all good citizens of Crown Heights, myself included, recognize the difficult responsibilities you and your Department have to face, and appreciate your good efforts all the more.
With prayerful wishes for your continued success,
Cordially and with blessing,
Notes and sources
Calzerano's letter of April 28, 1989 reads:
Dear Rebbe Schneerson:
I have been the Commanding Officer, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, consisting of thirteen precincts, since January 1, 1987, a period of twenty-eight months. During this time my staff and I have worked tirelessly and closely with Rabbi Joseph B. Spielman, Rabbi Leib Groner, and other distinguished members of the Lubavitcher Hassidic Jewish Community to promote and maintain peace and racial harmony in Crown Heights.
Together, we have successfully overcome the most serious and significant threats to the stability of the Crown Heights Community in the past thirty years, i.e. the arson fire at the residence of … February 26, 1987, the CHANT demonstration on April 11, 1987, and the confrontational demonstrations by the Black Men's Movement Against Crack and the New York Eight, which took place every Monday evening from April to September, 1987.
Working closely with the aforementioned members of the Hassidic Jewish Community, and with the cooperation of Reverend Heron Sam of St. Marks Episcopal Curch, Reverend Clarence Norman of The First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, and Reverend Hardy Smallwood of the Bereen Baptist Church, we have reestablished the Crown Heights Coalition, opening lines of communication that had not existed since 1982, created a police-sponsored, integrated Community Patrol, and established a "hot-line" telephone system to improve communications and dispel rumors.
While our joint accomplishments have indeed been substantial and have promoted a measure of community stability, I feel compelled to bring to your attention the actions of an individual, which, if allowed to continue unchecked, threaten to undermine the gains that we have achieved.
I am referring to…
Accordingly, I believe that only through your direct intervention can further … be prevented…
Wishing you continued good health and success in your future endeavors, I remain
Sincerely Yours:
Joseph P. Calzerano Assistant Chief
Source: Carbon copy, from the archives of Rabbi Nissan Mindel.
Published: Teshurah (Mann-Oster, 6 Adar 5786).
Note: The Archives of Rabbi Nissan Mindel A"H, the Rebbe's personal secretary entrusted with transcribing his orally dictated responses, consists of secretarial copies that may not include the Rebbe’s final edits, as well as drafts and unsent letters.