Rosh Hashanah under police surveillance: New York City beefs up security at synagogues amid terror threat
'03.10.2024'
ForumDaily New York
NYPD sends extra patrols and canine units to synagogues as Jews celebrate New Year. Also, October 7 will mark one year since Hamas launched a bloody attack on Israel, reports ABC7.
The looming anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the Iranian missile strike on Israel are making the already tense situation even more tense. So far, no real threats have been identified.
New Yorkers may see more heavily armed units from the NYPD's Emergency Rescue Unit. There will be plenty of uniformed officers in marked police cars at Jewish institutions, synagogues, foreign consulates and public places.
On the subject: Jews believe they are no longer safe to live in New York
"Dog teams will be combing sensitive areas daily. Our air units will be increasing their air patrols," said Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner.
Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul said at her press conference that she had attended a "confidential intelligence briefing with the mayor of New York City, as well as his head of counterintelligence."
"We wanted to make sure our teams were closely aligned and working together," she said.
“I have directed our State Police Superintendent James to increase State Police patrols in high-risk areas, synagogues, community centers, mosques,” the governor said. “You will see an increased law enforcement presence at all critical infrastructure hubs, including major transit centers.”
Hochul has been in contact with campuses to make sure they have a “safety plan that we’ve reviewed and approved.”
"Of course, students have a right to protest under the First Amendment. They have a right to gather and celebrate without fear of persecution," the governor emphasized.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the city respects and protects people's right to peaceful protest. But "there will be zero tolerance for those who break the law."
Hate Crimes Against the Jews accounted for 56% of all hate crimes in the past year. Most involved graffiti or serious assault. There were 22 cases violence.