By Jeff Lipton
Authorities and religious leaders in the Five Towns are on a heightened state of alert, as U.S. troops and the coalition forces continue to advance into Baghdad in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Law enforcement officials in the Five Towns and throughout Nassau County have been on the lookout for any suspicious activity. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the community has been on high alert for any possible threat of a terrorist attack, but with the war ongoing, authorities have been extra vigilant since last week.
Weve beefed up our patrols, said Lt. Larry Feffer of the Fourth Precinct. Were paying particular attention to sensitive locations, such as houses of worship. With a significant Jewish population, the Five Towns is a prime concern and everyone is on guard. We want to be highly visible to make people feel more secure over here.
Unit 109 of the Five Towns Auxiliary Police also has been on full alert, patrolling synagogues and religious schools. Were out there and were putting in a lot of extra time right now because of the increased security, said Danny Gluck, who recently was promoted to sergeant of the unit. Were supposed to be the eyes and ears of the police department, and were checking on synagogues and other institutions. Now more than ever were putting in a lot of time. Were working 24 hours to make sure the Five Towns community is safe.
Patrolling the streets in marked police cars, the 109 has 10 members who have provided a visible presence and a strong deterrent against any criminal activity or terrorist threat, Gluck said.
Village of Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise said he was confident the authorities are doing enough to protect the community. With the protection provided by the county police, this area, I am confident, is secure, Parise said.
Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz of Congregation Toras Chaim in Hewlett, who is the liaison between local police and the Five Towns Jewish community, said, Were concerned, as any citizen in America is concerned.
Lefkowitz, who is also an administrator at Yeshiva Toras Chaim of South Shore, on William Street in Hewlett, said the schools are taking special precautions. Were in a lock-down. All doors and gates are locked and all the exits are patrolled, he said. Were really making sure everything is secure. Everybody is on a heightened state of alert.
Were doing a lot of praying, the rabbi added. The police have talked to us about what we can do to be prepared and were definitely as prepared as we can be.
Rabbi Sholom Stern, spiritual leader of Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst, said of the extra security measures, This is the culture we are living in. It has changed since 9/11. We have to be extra vigilant. Im very pleased the way everyone is trying to cooperate as much as they possibly can cooperate. I hope and pray that everything will be all right. The Israelis have had to deal with that the last couple of years. But life has to go on. Even with the threat of terrorism, you still have to live as normal a life as you possibly can.
Nassau County officials said special patrols will closely watch 50 key locations throughout Nassau County, including Roosevelt Field Mall, Nassau Coliseum and religious institutions, but county officials did not reveal which religious buildings would get extra police security. Security will be tighter anywhere large groups of people tend to congregate, officials said.
There are currently no specific threats to Nassau, said Legis. Jeff Toback ( D-Oceanside). But we are ready to respond with the help of our police, firefighters and the Office of Emergency Management should an incident occur. The most important thing for every family to do is keep water and a radio with batteries next to it in your home.
County officials also advise residents to keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food available and
one gallon of water per day per person for drinking and sanitation.
