Kaminsky calls for more security at local JCCs

Oceanside center stays vigilant in wake of bomb threat

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In the wake of nationwide bomb threats to Jewish community centers last month, including one to the Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC in Oceanside, and the evacuations of centers in Albany and Syracuse last week, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) sent a letter to the 4th Precinct requesting added security for the two JCCs in the 9th Senate District.

“I’m sensing a disturbing trend,” Kaminsky said, pointing to the multiple incidents of swastika drawings across Nassau County and Ku Klux Klan material being distributed at a train station in Suffolk. “Bomb threats are being called in, there are very deranged people out there, and it’s not a normal situation. We need more than the normal protective measures.”

Joni Center, executive director of Oceanside’s Friedberg JCC, said the center’s primary focus is keeping its members, guests and staff safe, and that she appreciates Kaminsky’s efforts.

“For law enforcement, I have the utmost respect,” Center said. “They’ve been amazing before and after, and the fact that Todd is bringing attention to the police and to this matter is wonderful.”

Kaminsky said he doesn’t want to micromanage the Nassau police. He pointed to what he called his “fantastic relationship with the police” and said “they do a great job.” He added that this was a suggestion in light of recent events and “wants to make sure they act accordingly.”

Det. Lt. Richard LeBrun, commanding officer of the Nassau Police Department’s Public Information Office, said that all the JCCs in the county are receiving intensified patrols and Problem-Oriented Patrol police are periodically visiting the JCCs as well as officers on routine patrols. LeBrun said the department has the JCCs on the list for stepped-up security as most have offices in synagogues. Problem-oriented policing is a strategy that involves the identification and analysis of specific crime and disorder problems, in order to develop effective response strategies.

“The Nassau County Police Department takes all public threats seriously and has been intensifying patrols around all religious institutions, areas of public transit, critical infrastructure, as well as significant public events,” he said. “The NCPD continues to work with our federal, state and local partners and assesses our threat level through Real Time Intelligence. The public should always remain vigilant of their surroundings and call 911 immediately if they observe anything suspicious or unusual. Residents are reminded that if you see something, say something. If you hear something, say something.”

Young Israel of Oceanside was a recipient of a $75,000 Homeland Security grant through Rep. Kathleen Rice’s office. The money can be used to purchase enhanced security features, including forced-entry-resistant technology, security-modified doors, alarm systems and surveillance cameras.

Center said the Friedberg JCC applied to the state for grant funding last year to help bolster security, but did not receive any. Still, though Center did not specify security measures the facility has taken since the “non-credible” bomb threat on Jan. 18 that caused its members and staff to evacuate, she said it is always upgrading and evaluating security for every changing situation.

Since the threat, Center said the members and staff have been supportive, and that the JCC has received letters from around the world encouraging it to continue serving the community the way it has been doing for years.

“They know we’re doing everything we can to keep everybody safe, and that a JCC is here to take care of the community,” Center said. “We want to be an open, loving environment, but smartly.”