File Photo/Margate Police offer additional security during shabbat services at Beth El Synagogue in Margate, November 2018 following the Tree of Life shooting.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have increased security for the Jewish community in the Downbeach area.
Although the FBI reports no credible threats, local law enforcement has met with NJ State Police and the FBI to encourage local agencies to be vigilant amid any potential threats that could disrupt the Sabbath.
On Thursday, U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew sent out a statement that a Hamas leader has called for global jihad against the worldwide Jewish community on Friday, Oct. 13.
"While the FBI does not have specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States stemming from the Hamas attacks in Israel, we are closely monitoring unfolding events and will share relevant information with our state, local, federal and international law enforcement, intelligence and homeland security partners to ensure they are prepared for any impacts to public safety. We will not hesitate to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people, the FBI stated in a release earlier this week.
Ventnor Police Chief Joe Fussner said he has been in contact with the leadership at Shirat Hayam and Chabad at the Shore to let their congregations know the department would be increasing property checks multiple times during each shift.
They have their own security, and we will work with them to maintain a strong presence, he said Thursday morning.
Fussner said the department was being briefed by NJ State Police and the FBI via an online meeting.
NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said he has communicated with the state's 21 prosecutors and law enforcement agencies across the state, and although there is no credible threat at this time, he recommended increasing patrols at houses of worship of both Jewish and Muslim faiths.
"While we are aware of the call to violence against the Jewish community for tomorrow that has circulated online, there are no specific threats to safety in New Jersey. Nevertheless, law enforcement will continue to patrolsensitive areas particularly houses of worship for both the Jewish and Islamic faiths, large gathering places, and our schools and other educational institutions to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their communities," Platkin said in a release issued this afternoon. "Law enforcement will be taking other steps some that will be noticeable and others that may be taken out of view and all out of an abundance of caution. We continue to call upon New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant, and if you see suspicious activity, please report it to your local authorities without delay. No information is too insignificant to report, and we take every piece of information seriously."
The Attorney General's office regularly communicates with faith based groups about how to ensure services and religious observances occur without interruption.
According to Public Information Officer Lt. Joe Scullion, Margate Police has increased patrols at all of the city's synagogues, the Jewish Community Center and Jewish Family Services on both day and night shifts.
Periodic walk throughs at all locations will be conducted and the public will notice uniformed officers but nothing that will interrupt with services or daily routines, he said.
Marsha Bronstein, regional director of American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey said Shirat Hayam Rabbi Jonathan Kremer would offer prayers during an Atlantic City Council resolution being presented this week by Councilman Kaleem Shabazz denouncing the rise of antisemitism in the United States approaching the fifth anniversary of the shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pennsylvania.
Our hearts are heavy from all the news of the war, but our resolve is as strong as ever that Israel will never stand alone, Bronstein said.
All three Downbeach communities have passed similar resolutions.
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