In light of all the recent acts of terror, domestically and abroad, we the undersigned hereby petition the Honorable Mayor of New York, Mr. Bill de Blasio, State Senator Mr. Joseph Addabbo, Councilwoman, Mrs. Karen Koslowitz, Councilman, Mr. Rory Lancman and State Assemblyman, Mr. Michael Simanowitz to Protect Our Children.

The Grand Central Parkway public school and Bnos Malka Academy are two elementary schools within 50 feet of one another in Forest Hills on 113th Street (between 71st Road and 71st Avenue) have over 1,500 students (K-8th grade) and over 100 faculty members.

We the undersigned are requesting for a permanent police presence during the school year, Monday-Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. We suggest a police booth be placed at the corner of 71st Road and 113th Street. We believe that the visible presence will deter any potential threat to both schools.

Given that the Department of Homeland Security has already determined that the area is at a sufficient risk to award the Reform Temple of Forest Hills with a $75,000 Homeland Security grant further bolsters our request. The Reform Temple of Forest Hills is adjacent to Bnos Malka Academy and is currently being used, in part, by the Grand Central Parkway school.

In addition, to the obvious security deterrent, the placement of an armed officer will give greater peace of mind to the children and the educators.

For the safety of our children, we respectfully ask that you take immediate steps to Protect Our Children.