NYPD Keeping Eye On Situation In Syria As Jewish High Holidays Near

The NYPD is keeping an eye on the escalating situation in Syria as the department readies additional security measures ahead of the Jewish high holidays.

The United States is considering military action against Bashar Assad’s regime after it allegedly deployed chemical weapons against its citizens.

Officials said U.S. forces are in position and could launch a strike if ordered by President Barack Obama.

  

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said there is currently no intelligence to indicate there could be a problem in New York City if the U.S. launches an attack on Syria.

  

“Let me say that we’re always looking over the horizon. 

We are aware of conditions throughout the world, we have a large police force and we’re always looking at contingencies, things that may happen,” Kelly said. “I can only tell you that we will respond, in our judgment, accordingly if something happens overseas. We’ve always been concerned about what happens throughout the world – it’s become much smaller after 9/11. That’s why we have our own officers stationed overseas, so they have their ear to the ground.”

  

Kelly said the NYPD continues to be alert and vigilant and added there are no specific threats against the city as a result of the situation in Syria.

As is always the case, there will be a heightened police presence at Jewish houses of worship over the high holidays and the heavily armed Hercules teams will be ready if needed, Kelly said.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Yom Kippur begins on Friday, Sept. 13.