Police in New York City, on Long Island increasing patrols around synagogues ahead of Passover
NEW YORK -- With a disturbing rise in antisemitism around the country, police in New York are taking extra precautions for the upcoming Passover holiday.
Judith Cohen feels a pang of fear these days when she goes to her Suffolk County synagogue.
"We're a small population, and we need protection," she said.
A recent report from the Anti-Defamation League found 2022 was the worst year for antisemitism in the United States in four decades, with a 36% increase in incidents nationwide.
While New York holds the world's highest Jewish population outside of Israel, the state also had the highest number of antisemitic incidents last year at 580.
"Once we know it's happening, it's what do you do about it?" said Mindy Perlmutter, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
Wednesday, Long Island Jewish leaders held a forum for combatting hate in their communities.
"We're going to be creating a sub-committee task force to battle and combat antisemitism in this county," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said.
"It's important that people understand what the issues are and the resources that are out there for them to really make a difference," said Avi Posnick with the nonprofit StandWithUs.
Police say while hate crimes may be decreasing so far this year, hateful acts are not.
"There's a group of individuals that are passing fliers out and putting it people's cars, and this is something that scares me," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison said.
Ahead of Passover, police here in Suffolk County are stepping up patrols around synagogues and adding extra auxiliary officers to drive around throughout the nights.
The NYPD is taking similar safety measures.
"Your security during Passover will remain one of the NYPD's top priorities," NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said.
"We've also been keeping abreast of events and dynamics overseas which may cause reflections back on the public safety profile of this city," said Rebecca Weiner, assistant commissioner of the NYPD Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau.
"Increasing patrols around synagogues to enhance security, and our community affairs officers, neighborhood community officers in city sectors will make visits to religious locations across the city," Sewell said. "The NYPD stands with every single New Yorker during Passover and beyond."
Passover is a story of freedom. Jewish New Yorkers want the freedom to pray without fear.
