Nassau County, NY – Security Of Synagogues Beefed Up In Five Towns

Nassau County, NY – Fourth Precinct police have been checking in regularly with rabbis and congregants at synagogues as part of their rounds.
Religious leaders have noticed an increased police presence around Jewish institutions in recent weeks.

The heightened security comes on the heels of an FBI report that Hezbollah operatives have conducted surveillance of numerous potential targets for attack in the U.S., including Jewish community centers and synagogues, and have sent videos and photos to Lebanon and Iran. The FBI reportedly has been in touch with Jewish leaders about the potential threat, though there is no evidence that any such attacks are imminent.
But local police officials said they had already bolstered patrols before the FBI warning was issued. “Absolutely, all [police officers in] sector cars are stopping in at all Jewish houses of worship at different times to let them know they’re around,” said Inspector Richard McCarrick, commanding officer of the 4th Precinct. “And we have intensified patrols in the vicinity of these houses of worship. This is nothing new [since 9/11].”

McCarrick said that police have intensified patrols even though they have seen no signs of any terrorist surveillance activities in the Five Towns. “If we did see this, we would work quickly to put a stop to it,” he said. “Our officers are regularly stopping people who are acting suspiciously in the area and asking them for ID.”