Jewish, Palestinian communities stepping up security amid warfare between Israel and Hamas
NEW YORK -- Some Jewish parents are debating whether to keep their kids home Friday after a former Hamas chief called for protests across the Muslim world.
CBS New York investigative reporter Tim McNicholas has more on how the heightened alert is affecting the Jewish and Palestinian communities.
Law enforcement leaders say there are currently no credible threats against the Tri-State Area, but that's not stopping mosques, schools and synagogues from increasing security.
“There are no specific, credible threats to New York City. We are aware of the concern that postings circulating online have caused, and we have increased our uniform deployments at large gatherings and cultural sites to ensure public safety out of an abundance of caution.” pic.twitter.com/6mZ4sf7v6P
— NYPDCounterterrorism (@NYPDCT) October 12, 2023
There were some new additions to the Kiddie Corner Pre-School at Congregation B'nai Avraham on Thursday. An NYPD car was parked outside the Brooklyn Heights preschool and synagogue. Rabbi Aaron Raskin said he'll be adding more private security guards, too.
"We have told our parents if you wish, you can keep your children home. That's OK. But we as an institution, as a Jewish institution, will stay open," Raskin said.
Sources told CBS New York the NYPD has directed all members scheduled for duty to report in uniform in anticipation of possible protests, and Gov. Kathy Hochul said she's working with state police to increase security.
"I went to the intelligence center. I said, let's ramp up every known area, possible target, whether it's a yeshiva, synagogue, or we have so many museums and gathering places," Hochul said. "We want to reiterate to New Yorkers, there's no reason to feel afraid. No one should feel they have to alter their normal lives or their routines."
"We are working closely with law enforcement officers, our state partners and other cities across the country to monitor for potential threats and keep people safe," Mayor Eric Adams said.
Statement of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin Regarding Continued Precautions Being Taken in New Jersey Due to the Terrorist Attacks in Israel. pic.twitter.com/eqnTruqO3s
— Attorney General Matt Platkin (@NewJerseyOAG) October 12, 2023
The Palestinian American Community Center in Clifton, New Jersey, normally keeps its doors unlocked, but now the staff said they're now only buzzing people in.
Fedah Mohammed described a phone call to the center Thursday.
"Saying really inappropriate things to us, and then he said, Long live Israel,' and then he hung up," Mohammed said.
Mohammed said local mosques are adding security for Friday prayer.
The Jewish Security Alliance has also sent out suggestions on security measures to keep community centers safe.
Security outside of Barclays Center was beefed up on Thursday night. While no gathering happened here, the NYPD was ready there and in other parts of the Tri-State Area.
Israeli basketball fans lined up for the exhibition game between the Nets and Israeli team Maccabi Ra'anana, from outside of Tel Aviv, to support their team as their homeland reels from a week of attacks.
"We stand with Israel. We are from Israel and we come to support the Israeli group. It's from our home," one fan said.
Outside the arena, security was clearly high with officers and K-9s on the lookout.
"Looks like they are prepared. Hopefully, they are overprepared," one person said.