Watch Press Conference Here
NASSAU COUNTY, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder were joined by Jewish faith leaders to announce increased and intensified protection efforts around Synagogues and other areas of concern during the Jewish High Holy Days. County Executive Curran also announced that State Senator Todd Kaminsky has secured $150,000 in grant funding from New York State to purchase license plate reading (LRP) technology for Nassau PD as well as portable LPR trailers to be used within Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Lawrence, and Woodmere. The press conference concluded with Rabbi Eli Goodman of Chabad of the Beaches blowing the Shofar, a ceremonial ritual performed by Jews to celebrate Rosh Hashana.
In response to a nationwide increase in hate crimes and active shooter threats, Nassau County continues to work closely with faith leaders and houses of worship across Nassau County to provide security assessments, training, and other resources to ensure all worshippers are kept safe.
“As our Jewish community begins observance of the High Holy Days, Nassau is stepping up police patrols at Synagogues and other key areas of concern to ensure the safety of residents. Public safety is priority #1 in Nassau County. I want to extend warm wishes to all for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. L'Shanah Tovah!” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
“The Nassau County Police will continue to intensify patrols around our houses of worship during the High Holy Days. Our Homeland Security Unit provides additional training resources, which includes Security Surveys and Situational Awareness. I strongly encourage our residents to call 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious so that police can investigate,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
“Police need every tool at their disposal to solve crimes. I secured a $150,000 grant for the Nassau County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct for license plate readers that will help cops protect our community. I am committed to doing everything I can to support law enforcement and help keep Nassau the safest county in America,” said State Senator Todd Kaminsky.
“An important dimension of the security here in Nassau County is the fact that both the county executive and police commissioner have created wonderful bridges to leaders of all faiths creating bonds of trust and respect,” said Rabbi Anshel Perl (Chabad of Mineola).
“America’s Jewish communities are in crisis mode. FBI stats confirm that despite being only 2% of America’s population, despite Covid-19 lockdowns that closed many synagogues and campuses for months, we are the targets of nearly 60% of religion-based hate in US. The Simon Wiesenthal Center thanks County Executive Laura Curran and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder for their unwavering commitment to protecting the Jewish community throughout the year and during the upcoming High Holy Days. With the horrific vandalism at a synagogue in Long Beach just last week, we are grateful to local and Nassau County government officials and law enforcement for continuing to make the safety of the Jewish community in Nassau County a top priority,” said Michael Cohen, Eastern Director, Simon Wiesenthal Center and Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean and Director of Global Affairs Agenda, Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Today’s press conference attendees: Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, State Senator Todd Kaminsky, Rabbi Eli Goodman (Chabad of the Beaches), Rabbi Anshel Perl (Chabad of Mineola), Rabbi Jay Weinstein (Congregation Simchat HaLev of Woodbury), Rabbi Sholom Axelrod (Young Israel of North Woodmere), Michael Cohen, Eastern Director of Simon Weisenthal Center