Police: High Holy Days = higher security

Nassau County Police Department officials assured religious leaders at a recent meeting that they would do their best to protect houses of worship during the upcoming High Holy Days. They added that to assist in those efforts, the organizations need to communicate with their local police stations.

“If you see someone suspicious, call us,” said Karen O’Callaghan, the NCPD’s chief of department, at a Sept. 9 meeting at police headquarters in Mineola. “It’s important to keep this dialogue going between us to keep a low crime rate in Nassau County.”

It’s a sign of the times that most of the more than 30 Jewish houses of worship in the Five Towns are more security conscious during their busiest time of the year‚ Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Some temples have security guards and require worshippers to have tickets for holiday services. Police officials recommended that religious leaders purchase or check their security cameras, and told them about a dedicated phone line to be used "in the event of terrorism threats or any bias-related incidents" during the holidays.

“I feel it is vital that we maintain a close connection with the police department and seize any opportunity we may have to assist them in their duties,” said Rabbi Zvi Ralbag of Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok in Woodmere, who attended the meeting. “Moreover, before the High Holy Days it is crucial that we confer with the [police] department to learn of any potential threats that are looming and what we can to do to help ensure we all enjoy a peaceful and safe holiday season.”

Local police officials said they would increase patrols around synagogues over the next few weeks. “We will look for anyone looking to harass, annoy or prevent congregants going to worship,” said Inspector John Capece, commanding officer of the county’s 4th Precinct. “The 4th Precinct will have zero tolerance for any individuals that interfere with houses of worship.” Capece added that templegoers should use sidewalks when walking to and from services to avoid traffic, and observe parking regulations if they leave their cars parked before the holidays.