Following Rise in Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes, New York City Plans For Increased Security During High Holy Days

Following Rise in Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes, New York City Plans For Increased Security During High Holy Days

In recent weeks, three Orthodox Jewish men were attacked in New York in potentially bias-related incidents that led to major injuries.

With Rosh Hashanah less than two weeks away, the New York City Police Department announced its plans to increase police presence in Jewish neighborhoods and synagogues during the High Holy Days this fall.

Over the past year, more Jewish residents have been targets of hate crimes, according to data collected by the city. So far this year, there have been 152 complaints of anti-Semitic hate crimes in New York. Overall hate crime numbers are up, too, with 290 reported in 2019. That’s compared to 205 over the same period last year.

At a press conference Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill acknowledged the increase in hate targeting Jews. They said that the department would redeploy its precinct personnel and specialized units, including critical response teams, in Jewish neighborhoods and near community centers.

“We’ve seen the rise of hate crimes in this city, even this year compared to last year, but we cannot be afraid,” de Blasio said, noting that it is his obligation to ensure that the Jewish community is protected throughout the year.

O’Neill asked for the community’s help in staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity to police, particularly during the holidays. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebration is set to begin on Sept. 28 and end on Oct. 1. Yom Kippur will follow a week later.

“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” O’Neill said. “It requires you to take ownership and keep an eye out in the neighborhoods where you live, where you work and where you worship. No one knows these streets better than you do, so we rely on you to let us know when something doesn’t look right.”

In recent weeks, the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force has opened three investigations into attacks on Orthodox men, including incidents in which a Jewish man was beaten with a belt and a rabbi was hit in the face with a heavy paving stone, leading to a broken nose and two lost teeth.

The other incident involved an Orthodox man suffering an eye injury after people threw something, potentially ice, at his car while he was in traffic, CBS New York reported.

The press conference, which is held annually to keep Jewish leaders and residents informed of security measures for the holidays, aims to serve as a deterrent to anyone planning to attack Jews in the city, de Blasio said.

“We’re gathered today in solidarity, we’re gathered today in vigilance to always show the community that we’re on guard [and] to remind anyone who would do a malicious act toward this community that we are watching, and we will act, and there will be consequences,” de Blasio said. “We will not accept hatred in New York City.”

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Study: Nearly Half of Companies Exclude Cybersecurity Teams When Developing, Onboarding and Implementing AI Solutions

    Only 35 percent of cybersecurity professionals or teams are involved in the development of policy governing the use of AI technology in their enterprise, and nearly half (45 percent) report no involvement in the development, onboarding, or implementation of AI solutions, according to the recently released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology. Read Now

  • New Report Series Highlights E-Commerce Threats, Fraud Against Retailers

    Trustwave, a cybersecurity and managed security services provider, recently released a series of reports detailing the threats facing the retail sector, marking the second year of its ongoing research into these critical security issues. Read Now

  • Stay Secure in 2024: Updated Cybersecurity Tips for the Office and at Home

    Cyber criminals get more inventive every year. Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and are a moving target for business owners in 2024. Companies large and small need to employ cybersecurity best practices throughout their organization. That includes security integrators, manufacturers, and end users. Read Now

  • Survey Finds Human Error is Cybersecurity Weakest Link

    Kaseya, provider of AI-powered cybersecurity and IT management software, recently released the results of its 2024 Kaseya Security Survey. IT professionals reported user behavior as their biggest cybersecurity challenge. Another important finding relates to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence by both threat actors and defenders. The survey found that feelings are mixed as IT professionals learn to navigate this new industry game-changer. The results of the survey are featured in the Cybersecurity Survey Report 2024: Navigating the New Frontier of Cyber Challenges. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction. 3