Synagogues across New Jersey increase security in wake of anti-Semitic attacks

Synagogues across New Jersey have increased their security in the wake of a series anti-Semitic attacks.

News 12 Staff

Dec 30, 2019, 9:52 PM

Updated 1,572 days ago

Share:

Synagogues across New Jersey have increased their security in the wake of a series anti-Semitic attacks.
The incidents have happened in New Jersey and in the surrounding areas. Five people were stabbed at a Hanukkah party in Monsey, New York over the weekend. Police are also investigating a vandalized menorah in Mendham. Four people were killed in the Jersey City shootings earlier this month, which included an anti-Semitic attack on a kosher grocery store.
Jewish leaders in the Garden State say that everyone should be prepared.
“All synagogues need to revisit and take a serious hard look at their security,” says Rabbi Eric Eisenkramer.
Eisenkramer says that a police car is always in front of his synagogue, B'ni Shalom. He says providing security is the new normal for synagogues statewide.
"You know, video cameras, guards and even simple things are sometimes the most important, like locking the door,” Eisenkramer says. There's a balance between making sure your temple is a welcoming place and also a safe place."
Gov. Phil Murphy says that New Jersey State Police will increase patrols at synagogues across the state.
Attorney General Gurbir Grewal says that New Jersey reported 569 bias incidents last year. Those of the Jewish faith were the most targeted, according to the data.
Juveniles were the offenders in 46% of the bias incidents, which is why Grewal says that schools in the state should address bias and hate.
In an editorial for the Star Ledger, Grewal said, "Our educators do incredible work to ensure our kids have the skills necessary to thrive in the future. But are they doing enough to teach students how to be good, thoughtful human beings?"
Eisenkramer says that he tells his students to be what he calls an "upstander."
"That means that if you hear any comments or jokes that are offensive to anyone, you stand up and say, ‘No, that's not how we treat one another,’” Eisenkramer says.
Eisenkramer says that all houses of worship are under attack. He noted that a day after the Monsey incident, a church in Fort Worth, Texas, was targeted for violence.


More from News 12
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

2:19
Scattered rain showers overnight; sunshine returns Saturday afternoon

Scattered rain showers overnight; sunshine returns Saturday afternoon

1:42
Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

0:32
Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

0:56
Graffiti of former Palestinian militant Leila Khaled found spray-painted at Rutgers University

Graffiti of former Palestinian militant Leila Khaled found spray-painted at Rutgers University

0:09
Police: 2 men critically injured in Newark shooting

Police: 2 men critically injured in Newark shooting

2:16
Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

0:59
Jersey Proud: 3 men running the length of New Jersey for ‘Dylan’s Wings of Change’ charity

Jersey Proud: 3 men running the length of New Jersey for ‘Dylan’s Wings of Change’ charity

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:01
New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

1:54
Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

2:45
Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

1:42
Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

0:27
Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

0:25
Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

0:48
Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

1:37
Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row

Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row

0:31
Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid-May

Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid-May

0:35
How to get rid of unused or expired medications

How to get rid of unused or expired medications

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12