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🇮🇱 Israel /Crime & Justice

Jewish watchdog urges NYPD to boost police presence in hot spots after synagogue attack

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Jewish watchdog group urges the NYPD to enhance security measures in potential hate crime hotspots.
  • The call follows an antisemitic incident at Manhattan's Central Synagogue.
  • The group advocates for data-driven tactics and increased police presence to prevent future attacks.

In the wake of an antisemitic attack at Manhattan's Central Synagogue, a prominent Jewish security watchdog is pressing the New York Police Department to intensify safety measures. The Community Security Initiative (CSI) is calling for the NYPD to employ cutting-edge tactics to identify areas prone to hate crimes and to deploy more officers to these potential hotspots.

It’s difficult, because you’re trying to balance being open for the public for worship, and at the same time, keeping our sanctuary safe.

— Mitchell SilberSilber discusses the challenge of maintaining security while remaining accessible for worship.

Mitchell Silber, CEO of CSI, acknowledged the difficulty in preventing such incidents, stating, "It’s difficult, because you’re trying to balance being open for the public for worship, and at the same time, keeping our sanctuary safe." During the Friday night service, an individual disrupted worship with antisemitic slurs before being apprehended by a security guard. Silber noted that the individual had not initially raised significant red flags upon entry, but synagogue security personnel, trained to discern potential threats, quickly intervened.

CSI is issuing a bulletin to synagogues nationwide, offering guidance on enhancing security. The organization is also engaging with the NYPD to explore the use of tools like "datamining, crime cluster mapping and pre-emptively deploying against hot spots" to proactively combat hate crimes. CSI provides security coordination for Jewish institutions in the New York area.

There wasn’t something so out of place that it required them to pull him aside, but they noticed him as not someone they were familiar with.

— Mitchell SilberSilber describes the initial encounter with the individual who disrupted the synagogue service.

Furthermore, CSI encourages synagogues to partner with the Community Security Service, another nonprofit that trains congregants to serve as greeters. Silber emphasized the importance of tailored security, noting, "Central Synagogue isn’t Park East, Park East isn’t KJ, KJ isn’t Congregation Beth Elohim - they’re all so different, and that’s why having members of the synagogue trained can really be a force multiplier."

Central Synagogue isn’t Park East, Park East isn’t KJ, KJ isn’t Congregation Beth Elohim - they’re all so different, and that’s why having members of the synagogue trained can really be a force multiplier.

— Mitchell SilberSilber highlights the need for customized security training for different congregations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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