Ramapo, NY - The vandalism of synagogues and firebombing of a rabbi's house in nearby Bergen County, N.J., have people in Rockland's large Jewish community on edge.
Rockland authorities have been in contact with a task force formed last week to investigate the spate of hate crimes over the past month aimed at Jewish institutions in Bergen County.
There is no indication that the crimes have any connection to this area, said Capt. Brad Weidel of the Ramapo police.
Still, the department is conducting stepped-up patrols and urging extra vigilance throughout the community, which borders Bergen County. He urges anyone who sees anything suspicious to call 911.
Local religious leaders are aware of the New Jersey attacks.
"It's not just an attack on four synagogues in Bergen County," said Rabbi Chaim Zvi Ehrenreich, who leads a Chabad synagogue in Chestnut Ridge. "It's a violent attack on every institution and every American."
Members of his community are on edge.
"People are very concerned," he said. "But we have a lot of faith in the Ramapo Police Department."
The Bergen County prosecutor, John Molinelli, has formed a task force with local investigators as well as the ATF and FBI.
New Jersey officials have met with local community leaders about the attacks. They are increasing patrols after four incidents involving fires and vandalism at several temples.
The most serious incident occurred Wednesday when a firebomb was thrown into the residence of a synagogue in Rutherford, N.J. The rabbi and his family escaped without injury.
It was the fourth incident involving a synagogue in Bergen County since Dec. 10.
"It's a matter of concern for the entire community," said Maureen Parenta, Molinelli's spokeswoman.
David Kirschtel, executive director of the JCC Rockland in West Nyack, which houses numerous Jewish groups, said he was aware of the New Jersey attacks.
Maybe now people in Rockland County will understand how stupid it is to firebomb your own neighbors
ReplyDelete