By COLlive reporter
2,000 National Guardsmen and more than 1,000 police officers will be in the streets of Baltimore on Tuesday night, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said.
“This combined force will not tolerate violence or looting, which has led to the destruction of property and put innocent Marylanders at risk,” he said following a night of intense rioting.
A citywide curfew will take effect Tuesday night in Baltimore, aiming to avoid a repeat of Monday’s violence which resulted in cars and buildings being burned, police hospitalized, looted businesses and hundreds of people arrested.
Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum, a chaplain and Director of Jewish Uniformed Service Association of Maryland (JUSA), was seen at the scene of the riots offering encouragement to law enforcement and military officials in bringing peace and order to the city.
“I wanted to be there for them, offering support and to boost their morale as they protect the citizens of Baltimore,” he told COLlive.com on Tuesday. “There were many different statewide and out of state agencies including the National Guard, that were staging at Camden Yards.”
Rabbi Tenenbaum, who trains law enforcement professionals on spiritual matters, said he was greeted with appreciation. “Some asked me to say a prayer with them,” he said. “I also met a few Jewish guardsman who were very happy to see a Rabbi.”
Jewish schools and institutions in Baltimore shut their doors early on Tuesday amid rumors of renewed violence. Yeshivas Lubavitch of Baltimore remained open, but students spotted National Guard vehicles driving on Park Heights Avenue.
Riots broke out last Friday in reaction to the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray from a severe spinal cord injury after police arrested him. 200 people have been arrested and 20 police officers injured in the resulting violence.
Monday night’s riots in Baltimore were a rough time, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said, but the response Tuesday shows that residents want to reclaim, repair and heal the city, CNN reported.
“The community is on edge,” Rabbi Tenenbaum added. “Boruch Hashem, so far, it is not affecting the Jewish areas.”
VIDEO: Clean up begins in Baltimore after night of rioting
Chesky does such great work in baltimore. I think these pictures testify at the good work he does. Everyone should generously open their pockets and send him money for the most important work he does as the pictures show!