NYPD Promises Extra Security at Shuls Over Pesach

By COLlive staff
Photos, Video: Itzik Roytman/COLlive

The NYPD is increasing security at Shuls and Jewish centers ahead of the Pesach holidays, the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams said at the annual pre-Passover Briefing.

Commissioner Jessica Tisch cited alarming data that revealed 62% of all hate crimes in the city target Jews, up from 54% of all hate crimes in 2024.

“No one should feel afraid to worship. No community should feel like a target,” said Commissioner Tisch. “As always, we are increasing patrols around synagogues, so you can expect to see uniformed deployments at dedicated houses of worship,” she said.

The shocking uptick in anti-Jewish crimes “jump off the page as the single largest category of hate, at an astounding 62% of the total,” Deputy Inspector Gary Marcus, commanding officer of NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force, said. “Well over half of all hate crimes in New York City are perpetrated against Jews,” he added.

Mayor Eric Adams also spoke on of the rise in hate crimes against Jews since the October 7th, 2023 attacks.

“This is an important time for the Jewish community. And history will show after October 7th, when you saw probably a second Holocaust that impacted the Jewish community, we could have easily looked over the entire bench of those who have the qualities of law enforcement. But we needed to send not only something that was substantive, but symbolic,” the Mayor said.

“We need a leader that understood how important this time and moment is. So when people were telling us that we should cancel the Israeli parade, we would say no, we would never surrender to fear. We needed a leader that understood that when COVID hits our city, you don’t redline the Jewish community. You needed a leader that knows our stores should continue to open and operate.

“We want to let you know loudly and clearly, just as we do at every Passover briefing, we’re going to have the police that are there. We need you to be the eyes and ears. Also, see something, say something, do something. It’s imperative that we continue this partnership of how we combine ourselves with the law enforcement community, with the community that we swore to serve and protect.

“We want you to have a safe Passover season. And as you sit down and talk about the history of the Jewish people and a long tradition, add in that history, go off script for one moment. Add in the history, how you have been there for all other groups, add in your history and conversation, how you have shown benevolence and within your community, you talk about giving back and sacrifice. Don’t omit that from your history because it’s very much part of who you are as a community.”

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