By Jeff Lipton
Off-duty police officers and private security firms have been hired to guard buildings and check ID's and worshippers' bags at some synagogues. Nassau County police officers will also bolster patrols around synagogues during the holidays, which begin at sundown on Sept. 26.
Nassau County police officials called a meeting of more than 35 rabbis from throughout the county on Sept. 3, to review what police are doing to increase security and to answer any security-related questions. Fourth Precinct Deputy Inspector Richard McGuire said he would meet with religious leaders in the Five Towns on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at Young Israel of Woodmere on Peninsula Boulevard to go over strategy for the holidays.
Although police have not received any threats to area houses of worship, police and rabbis said it was more comforting for worshippers to be prepared in the event of a threat or attack. This is the second year in a row that county police have called a special meeting to deal with security concerns.
I think the police are doing a magnificent job getting information out to the people, said Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, spiritual leader of Congregation Anshei Chesed in Hewlett, formerly Congregation Toras Chaim. This definitely puts us at ease.
Because of what is going on today, people have to be vigilant, and all congregations are setting up security measures as police have instructed us, Lefkowitz said. We're not being overly vigilant, though. We're definitely not scared to come to the synagogue.
He added that the current and former commanding officers of the Fourth Precinct have done an admirable job of securing houses of worship during as well as before and after the holidays. It definitely feels secure because of it, Lefkowitz said.
Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, spiritual leader of Temple Israel of Lawrence, said that off-duty police officers have been hired to secure the premises during the holidays and that proper security equipment has been installed.
Those coming to service during the High Holy Days should be prepared to show ID, Rosenbaum said. As they enter, people's bags will be checked. Off-duty officers are being hired, and they are a presence in the building and at the entrances.
It's not a question of being on high alert, he added. That's normal operating procedure. There's no sense in adding anxiety to the worshippers, which is counterproductive. I don't think we're in any imminent danger of being attacked. But maintaining a security presence is the cost of doing business today, and the reality of the 21st century world in which we live. It's been the norm in Jewish communities across Europe for decades.
Rosenbaum said the mood is different this year from last year. Our sense of fear and anxiety, felt last year and before that, has been replaced by a sense of resolve and inner security, he said, adding that the temple was scheduled to conduct a memorial service for the Sept. 11 victims during Sabbath services at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12.
Rabbi Bruce Ginsburg, of Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere, said he believes that all religious institutions should err on the side of caution these days. I believe that all houses of worship, especially Jewish houses of worship, should exercise caution, given what has been experienced in America two years ago this week, he said. There's no great alarm. We feel confident security measures are in place and that people can come to holiday services confident they will be secure throughout the holiday.
Ginsburg said his congregation would deploy security at the entrance. We have hired undercover security, even though we have not received any threats, he said.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman Wolowik, spiritual leader of the Chabad Center of the Five Towns in Cedarhurst, said, We're going to have hired security, not to scare people, but to make sure we're safe.
McGuire said he would hold the meeting on Sept. 16 with area rabbis to address security issues and discuss the plans that are in place. Since 9/11, we have to be aware day-to-day and to raise awareness, McGuire said. We live in different times, and there's always the possibility of a terrorist threat. There will be heightened security around the houses of worship.
A police hotline on which community members can report suspicious activity, obtain information on security and check out rumors about threats will be available 24 hours a day from Sept. 25 through Oct. 7. The hotline number is (516) 573-7720. Police officials said congregations can help themselves by following some safety tips, including devising evacuation plans, regularly inspecting buildings, notifying police about holiday schedules and approaching unfamiliar congregants with some scrutiny.
