Shomrim Of Philadelphia & Delaware Valley

On August 11, 1937, three patrolman, Robert Sharp, Herman Levin and Samuel K. Glass, were detailed at an A&P warehouse strike. Officer Levin brought up the subject of a Philadelphia Jewish police organization based on the Shomrim Society of New York. The other two officers were enthusiastic about the idea. A meeting was held on August 12, 1937, and a letter was sent to Rabbi Wolsey asking for his guidance and assistance.

On September 8, 1937, these three officers in the company of Maurice J. Fleisher, who was attached to the Office of Superintendent of Police, met with Rabbi Wolsey and explained their idea and purpose. A second meeting was held with Rabbi Wolsey on October 5, 1937, who gave his approval for the organization.

On October 26, 1937, a meeting was held with Mayor S. Davis Wilson and Director of Public Safety, Andrew J. Emmanuel, and their official approval was obtained.

On November 3, 1937, a contingent of men went to New York and obtained information and ideas for organizing a Shomrim society in Philadelphia from the New York Shomrim Society and the Ner Tamid Society, which was the Jewish firefighter organization.

On November 9, 1937, an organizational meeting was held at Rodeph Shalom Synagogue. Robert Sharp was appointed Chairman of the organization committee. Word was sent to all Jewish members of the Department of Public Safety that a Jewish police and firefighter organization was being former which also included civilian employees in the Department of Public Safety.

On December 2, 1937, nominations and elections of officers was held at Beth Israel Synagogue, with the following results: President– Jacob H. Gomborow, 1st V.P.– Samuel Korn, 2nd V.P.– Samuel D. Bressner, Financial Secretary– Barney Abrams, Treasurer– Maurice J. Fleisher, Secretary– Samuel R. Glass, Sgt.-At-Arms– Sam Blumberg and Morris Gast, Chaplain– Rabbi Louis Wolsey, and Counselor– A.J. Levy, Esq.

On January 5, 1938, at a meeting at Beth Israel, the name of “Shomrim of Philadelphia” was adopted by the membership. The “YMHA” was selected as a meeting place with meetings to be held on the first Thursday of every month. The main purpose of “Shomrim of Philadelphia” was to create a spirit of fellowship, “So that police, fire, and public safety officers of the Jewish faith may join together for the welfare of all”.

On January 1, 2000, our name was changed to reflect our growing geographic area. The name of the organization was changed to “Shomrim of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley”.