Increased security expected in Brooklyn's Jewish community ahead of High Holidays
Gov. Kathy Hochul's office reported that anti-Jewish crime is the most common hate crime in the state. She says it has increased both statewide and citywide since last year.
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With Rosh Hashanah kicking off the Jewish High Holidays on Friday at sundown, members of the community around Brooklyn are preparing for increased security.
It comes as Gov. Kathy Hochul's office announces that not only is anti-Jewish crime the most common type of hate crime in New York State, but that it is increasing compared to this time last year - up 16% statewide and 8% citywide.
"Unfortunately we live in a world where terrorism is something that's widespread, and there are a lot of crazy people out there," said Rabbi Shimon Hecht, from Congregation B'Nai Jacob in Park Slope.
His synagogue, along with Chabad Lubavitch on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, are just two of the places expecting big crowds for the holidays.
"Security should be stronger. People should be able to celebrate the holidays," said Yaakov Chazan, a resident of Crown Heights. "People shouldn't be scared to walk to the synagogue."
While Chabad Lubavitch always has a police presence around it, Hecht tells News 12 that B'Nai Jacob will be hiring private security and has also asked the NYPD to station a patrol car outside during the High Holidays.
"I don't believe we are a target, but for people to feel secure," he explained.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Hochul also announced a record $70-million grant to help community organizations improve their security, with Hecht saying "it's very important that the government is behind this."
The money from the grants will be used for physical security - like locks, alarms and panic buttons - as well as cybersecurity and training for staff.
Hochul also told the New York State Police to increase their patrols around Jewish areas and coordinate with local police.
"It hurts that we came to such times, but we have to be practical. We have to do everything to diminish this," said Chazan.
Hecht says he just hopes it makes people more likely to come out to worship and celebrate over the next few weeks.
"If all the synagogues will be packed, that is the strongest antidote to antisemitism," he said.
