Jessica Tisch, newly appointed as New York City's Police Commissioner, marked her historic appointment by referencing her Jewish faith during her first press conference. Tisch, who takes the helm amid turbulence in the Adams administration, cited the Mishnaic concept of 'Tikkun Olam' (repairing the world) as a guiding principle for her leadership.
In a particularly poignant moment, Tisch revealed she recites the traditional Jewish prayer for healing, the Mi Shebeirach, for officers injured in the line of duty. Joel Petlin, Superintendent of the Kiryas Joel School District, responded on X: "May you never have to say that prayer again."
The appointment comes at a critical juncture, following Edward Caban's resignation amid corruption investigations. Tisch brings both law enforcement experience and an impressive pedigree to the role. She hails from one of New York's most prominent families - her father, James S. Tisch, leads Loews Corporation, while her mother, Merryl Tisch, formerly served as chancellor of the state Board of Regents.
The family's influence extends deep into New York's cultural fabric, from her late grandfather's leadership of CBS to her cousins' co-ownership of the NFL's Giants. The Tisch name adorns NYU's prestigious School of the Arts, reflecting the family's philanthropic impact on the city.
Tisch, who is married to venture capitalist Daniel Levine and has two sons, faces the challenge of steering America's largest police force through a period of significant transition and scrutiny.