NYPD to maintain visible presence amid Iranian missile attack on Israel
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The New York City Police Department will maintain a visible presence in the Jewish community on Tuesday after Iran fired dozens of missiles into Israel.
The missile launch is the latest in a series of escalating attacks in a yearslong conflict between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that threatens to push the Middle East closer toward a regionwide war.
In response, officers will be in front of religious institutions like synagogues across the city as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.
There are no specific or credible threats to New York City and it is merely out of an abundance of caution, officials said.
The violence in the Middle East comes ahead of the Jewish high holidays and some New Yorkers are on edge.
There are dark clouds eclipsing Rosh Hashanah this year as conflict in the Middle East is spreading.
"Frankly I'm terrified about the safety in New York right now, especially as we approach the high holidays," one New Yorker said.
The already robust security outside Temple Emanu-El on East 65th Street was tightening Tuesday evening. But Rabbi Joshua Davidson said he is fully confident his congregation will gather in safety and peace.
"We're going to come together and we're going to mark this holiday and we're going to come together in solidarity with Jewish people around the world. And we feel secure," Davidson said.
Davidson said he is grateful to the NYPD.
"This counterterrorism and intel bureau are the best in the country, probably the best in the world of any local police department," said retired NYPD Det. Robert Boyce. "We're starting with Rosh Hashanah on Thursday. We have the October 7th first anniversary, and we also have Yom Kippur on the 12th. This is a short ten-day time span, but it's going to create a lot of resources out on the street."
Mayor Eric Adams vowed "to protect New Yorkers of all faiths here at home."
Gov. Kathy Hochul said despite not reported threats, she has directed New York State Police to increase patrols at at-risk locations across the state and will stay vigilant.
"We will ensure all can feel safe to gather and worship in their communities," Hochul said.
Adams said he was already planning a security briefing on Wednesday tied to the High Holy days and the upcoming anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack.
"This is a melancholy year because of what's going on in Israel. The whole Gaza situation. We try to celebrate, bind together. Try to make it as peaceful and spiritual as possible," Dr. Bruce Blau said.
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