Iran launched over a hundred missiles towards Israel on October 1st as retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, escalating tensions in the Middle East once again. With the impending anniversary of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the upcoming Jewish New Year, New York City’s police department has heightened security measures in the city’s Jewish communities, particularly at synagogues.
On October 1st, Mayor Adams of New York City stated that he had held a briefing with Governor Hochu and the city’s police intelligence team regarding the escalating tensions in the Middle East. He took to the social platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his commitment to ensuring the safety of all faith communities, including the Jewish population. Governor Hochu also wrote on X platform that there are currently no threats to New York City, but both the state and city must remain vigilant to ensure the safety of all individuals gathering and worshiping in the community. Governor Hochu has instructed state police to increase patrols in high-risk areas statewide, while Mayor Adams plans to hold additional security briefings on the 2nd and 7th.
Although New York City has not received any specific or credible threats, the Jewish New Year begins on Thursday (October 3rd), the 7th marks the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the 12th is Yom Kippur. ABC News reported that Temple Emanu-El on East 65th Street in Manhattan has further strengthened its already stringent security measures outside the synagogue on the 2nd. Rabbi Joshua Davidson of the temple expressed gratitude to the police department, stating his belief that his Jewish congregation will be able to gather safely and peacefully to celebrate the holiday.