Dzikansky Mordecai Z. - Terrorist cop : the NYPD Jewish cop who traveled the world to stop terrorists

There is currently no universally agreed upon definition of terrorism. Common explanations refer to violent acts targeting civilians that are meant to create fear and are perpetrated for an ideological goal. My definition would also include the hell it wreaks on its victims, the physical and mental scars it leaves on its survivors and first responders, and the challenges and responsibilities it places on law enforcement and the public.

I never imagined that after spending a fulfilling twenty years with the NYPD fighting traditional crime, I would stay on to become a global terror expert able to contribute to securing New York City 5,600 miles from home.

I saw, learned, and relayed so much, but the fight against terrorism affected me so strongly on both a professional and personal level, I felt compelled to share my story and the lessons that I have learned while combating this evil.

Mine is a story of tradition, chance, perseverance, and purpose. My goal in writing this book is to demystify the terrorist, to empower the public, to stress the importance and value of awareness, and to shine light on the sacrifice and commitment of first responders.

I have many people to thank for helping me along my journey:

First, in loving memory and in tribute to two extraordinary men who shaped my life

To my father, Rabbi Jekuthiel Dzikansky, whose quiet dignity and steady moral influence guided me throughout. A true gentleman of the Old World, he still skillfully blazed his own path while never forgetting from where he came. From him I learned that service to ones community is a noble and honorable path.

To my brother-in-law, Frank Kutnicki, more like a brother and truly my best friend. His lifes example taught me the value of enjoying the simple pleasures in life, the ease of walking with honesty and integrity, and the fact that being a parent is lifes greatest treasure. He was the essence of a gentle soul.

I am grateful...

That I met a talented, passionate, articulate, and ever-so-patient writer named Robert Slater. His commitment to our project and support from the get-go gave me encouragement to proceed. I thoroughly enjoyed our meetings and working together. And thanks so much to Naomi Ragen for the introduction; you made a great match! A special thank you to Bobs wife, Elinor, whose editorial contributions were very much appreciated.

To my NYPD Intelligence colleagues and friends: Donny P., Ira G., Howie S., Diana P., and Milton L., and all those who assisted me while I was stationed overseas. Keep up the great work; it really does make a difference!

For my Detective Squad partners, my extended familyBrian McCabe, Mike Bachety, the late Alex Renow, Mary Kennedy, Eddie Hennessy, Mitch Parker, and Juan J.thank you for always having my back.

To my fraternal brothers in the NYPD Shomrim Society, the Detective Endowment Association, and the NYPD Chaplains Unit; your friendship and support throughout my career will always be appreciated. A special thank you to Sam Miller, Ken Cardona, Brian Reilly, and Rabbi Alvin Kass.

To my Torah Task Force partner, David Pollock of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York; it has always been a pleasure working together.

To the officers in the Israel National Police, including Gil Kleiman, Asher B., Anat G., Osnat H., and Duby Y.; thank you for letting me into your inner circle. I have only respect and admiration for the difficult work that you do. A special thank you to Esther T. and Michael C. from the Israel police Bomb Squad for your guidance and assistance.

To Eyal D. and Rami S. for your commitment and contributions to protecting both of our countries. Your cleverness and friendship are invaluable.

To my sister Adina for always being there for me. Your encouragement, support, wealth of knowledge on Middle East affairs, keen eye, and contacts were so helpful and very much appreciated.

To Liz and Jack R. for always making me feel welcomed and at home. Your love and support mean the world to me and the family!

For my friends despite the physical distance: Scott Flaum, Stuart Austin, and Joel Seidemann; friends for life!

I am in awe of...

The men and women of the NYPD whom I witnessed perform painstakingly difficult tasks on 9/11 and in its aftermath. Their selfless heroism and dedication to the people of New York were truly inspiring.

The officers of the Israel National Police who showed incredible strength and fortitude while under the merciless barrage of terror attacks.

I am blessed...

And thankful to have the support and love of an amazing wife. Meryl has stood by my side through thick and thin. Her strength, understanding, and encouragement define the true meaning of dedication to ones family.

To have three fantastic children: Zachary, Jake, and Talia. You make everything worthwhile and fill my life with joy. You reminded me how to smile and to treasure lifes simplest moments.

Mordecai Z. Dzikansky
April 2010

Robert Slater adds:

When Morty and I spoke about this book for the first time, my gut instinct told me that he had a great story to tell. As we talked more, I confirmed my original instinct: His story is dramatic, colorful, poignant, and unique. I was confident that we would be able to produce a compelling insiders look at what it was like to be a Jewish police officer in New York and later in Israel. Few cops write their memoirs. Morty has. Over the course of the research for this book, Morty and I had numerous conversations about what should go into the book. Our meetings were very meaningful to me.

I have conducted countless interviews as a journalist and an author and often I could tell that the person I was interviewing was holding back certain things. Morty never held back. He felt that it was important to tell his story in its entirety. There is no better example than his brutally honest recounting of the suffering he endured toward the end of his career as his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) set in. To his credit, he believed that it was as important to include the painful part of his career as it was his exciting adventures.

I have interviewed scores of political and business leaders, but never have I sat down with a homicide detective and been able to talk in great detail about his work, his cases, and his attitude toward his experiences. The subject matter was often difficult, but we both developed a certain detachment in regard to the awful events that Morty was describing.

Our attorney-agent, Lloyd Jassin, played a critical role in bringing Terrorist Cop into existence, and we thank him for his immediate sense that there was a good book in Mortys story, for his perseverance, and for his simply watching out for Morty and me.

We also want to extend our gratitude to Carole Stuart, Publisher of Barricade Books, who instinctively sensed that Mortys story was a good fit for Barricade. We have found her counsel wise in all aspects of the publishing process. Mark Morrell, Barricades Print Production Manager, has helped to shepherd Terrorist Cop through the various stages of publishing, and we thank him. Suzanne Henry has played a major role in promoting our book as widely as possible at Barricade, and we appreciate her contributions.

In both Mortys and my case, it was obvious that we both looked to our wives for their wisdom and their experiences in helping us to shape this book. In providing her keen editorial eye to the manuscript, Meryl Dzikansky became a true partner in this enterprise and I want to thank her. Her counterpart, my wife Elinor, fortunately has had direct professional editorial experience, has edited many of my books, and in this case applied her editorial skills to Terrorist Cop. Because of her skills, I know that the manuscript reads better, stays on message, and is, in its narrative, crisper. I thank her for all her hard work.