Patrols stepped up in Jewish communities after Bulgaria bombing

Updated July 23 at 11:20 a.m.

In response to the terrorist attack on young Israeli tourists in Burgas, Bulgaria on July 20, the Nassau County Police have increased patrols at Jewish institutions including shuls, temples and yeshivas at the request of Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray.

The Bulgaria bombing caused the death of five Israeli tourists. The attack spurred Jewish communities around the world to be aware of potential other incidents.

Murray consulted with Rabbi Herschel Billet, the spiritual leader of Young Israel of Woodmere, then contacted Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Dale and asked for the stepped up patrols.

“Commissioner Dale was immediately sympathetic and I am pleased that within an hour he emailed me saying they stepped up patrols at various Jewish institutions throughout Nassau County and the Five Towns,” Murray said.

The supervisor noted that outside of New York City, the Five Towns area is one of the largest Jewish enclaves in the nation and connected her concerns with those of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Police in New York City said it would deploy extra patrols in Jewish neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs.

How many police and how long they will be deployed on extra patrols is not known at this time. However, Murray emphasized that residents can assist the police by being aware of their surroundings.

“I am gratified that Commissioner Dale has taken that step,” she said, regarding increasing patrols. “In this age police can only do so much with the rise in terrorism and terrorist attacks. We can be particularly vigilant and real assets to our local police by being attentive and reporting what doesn’t sit well in our gut.”

As Nassau’s police steps up its patrols, so does the volunteer Five Towns Auxiliary Police unit commanded by Capt. Danny Gluck. “We are increasing our patrols and our officers are putting in more hours,” said Gluck, about his unit’s day and night patrols.

Village of Lawrence Mayor Martin Oliner has organized security forums in the past few months and takes the issue seriously. “I think it’s a great idea,” He said, regarding the increased patrols. “There is no immediate threat, but we must continue to be extremely vigilant. “We are thankful for what is being done.”