Security stepped up at New York City synagogues following Jerusalem attack

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Authorities are stepping up security in New York City following the deadly attack Tuesday at a synagogue in Jerusalem.

NYPD Commmissioner William Bratton says police are increasing their attention to synagogues and other symbolic locations around the city.

Bratton says the measures are a precaution and that there is no known threat in New York City.

Bratton said the department is following developments in Jerusalem closely and working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. The NYPD also has a liaison posted in Israel.

The commissioner asks the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.

There was shocked reaction and deeply felt concern over the attack from many in New York, especially at Yeshiva University, where the brother of one of the victims is a professor.

"In the middle of the holiest prayer, in the holiest city in the world, to be brutally murdered is beyond expectation," said professor of Talmud, Rabbi Benjamin Blech.

The shock waves of those brutal murders was felt strongly on the Yeshiva campus. In classrooms, students and faculty shared the grief of Rabbi Mayer Twersky, whose brother, Rabbi Moshe Twersky, was one of the victims killed while praying in a Jerusalem synagogue.

The rabbi's sister and brother in law said of him, "He was a special man. Very simple. This is a huge loss."

"Living in Israel, the randomness is very disturbing. It's very hard to deal with and defend against, and yes, it's very painful," said visiting dean Shimon Issacson.

Shimon Issacson lives just outside Jerusalem. He and others on campus realize this is a constant danger.

"It's just crazy to think that things like these are becoming regular in Israel. It's almost becoming normal that unfortunately, you almost come to expect it," said student Avi Schwartz.

Hoping to prevent that unexpected violence in New York prompted the NYPD to increase security as a precaution. Hercules teams were also dispatched to Times Square.

Mayor Bill de Blasio also issued a statement saying in part: "New York City stands in solidarity with Israel at this difficult time, and we hope and pray for a peaceful and secure future for all of its people."