Law enforcement across the Garden State have stepped up their patrols around synagogues after the attack in Pittsburgh claimed 11 lives.
About 90 people were inside the United Synagogue of Hoboken for Sabbath services Saturday morning when Rabbi Robert Scheinberg was told Hoboken police delivered the news to him.
“My immediate reaction was horror, was thinking of all the people I know who live in Pittsburgh, who have family connections in Pittsburgh,” he told News 12.
Rabbi Scheinberg said he had to go back into services Saturday morning and tell the worshippers what had happened. Police remained outside the synagogue throughout the day. The police told the rabbi they were there to keep people safe and as a show of solidarity.
Marlboro police said they were increasing visible patrols at all Jewish houses of worship in town and asked people to be vigilant in reporting suspicious activity.
Lakewood police told News 12 that “patrol officers assigned to areas in which synagogues are located have been instructed to conduct extra checks."
In Essex County, sheriff's officers were stepping up patrols at synagogues and all houses of worship.