YU Thanks Police and Firefighters in Student-Run Initiative

On Tuesday, November 22, the ground level of the Gottesman Library was occupied by a rotation of NYPD police officers and FDNY firefighters. The occasion was a student-led initiative to show solidarity and support for those who risk their lives for the protection and betterment of society around them. Students were encouraged to express appreciation by thanking the officers and firefighters in person and by signing posters emblazoned with YU’s logo to be framed and presented to the NYPD’s 34th precinct and FDNY Ladder 45.

Students stopped by to greet the officers and firefighters, shaking their hands and taking pictures. Among those who took the time to share their thanks was President Joel, who expressed great pride and gratitude both to the servicemen for their courage, and to the students for spearheading this effort.

The goal of the event was to show support and spread the sentiment of appreciation through social media, primarily Snapchat and Facebook, encouraging participants to use the tag #ShareYourThanks. The organizers conveyed that this was “the first part of what we hope will be a larger campaign,” and stated that they were looking to running a similar event on the Beren Campus in the near future.  

It is no secret that this showing comes in the midst of unrest and mixed feelings toward law enforcement officers around the country. One student-organizer said, “We are simply looking to show due appreciation for those who put themselves in harm’s way for our protection and for the betterment of our society. There are many, many fine, upstanding officers risking their lives, and we want to make sure they receive due appreciation.”