The FBI moments ago has announced it has received credible information of threats to synagogues in New Jersey.
“The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ,” the FBI stated. “We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility.”
“We will share more information as soon as we can. Stay alert. In case of emergency call police.”
Developing.
UPDATE 4:10 PM: Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy told TLS moments ago that although there are no specific threats to Ocean County, he has requested additional patrols throughout the County.
UPDATE 4:04 PM:
Statement from the LPD:
In response to the statement issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, warning of an broad threat to synagogues in New Jersey, the Lakewood Police Department along with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriffs Department has increased patrols, in both a marked and unmarked capacity. In addition, we have also deployed specially trained rapid response officers. Although there isn’t any specific information pertaining to Lakewood, we are in communication with our local, county and federal counterparts in order to ensure the greatest protection to those we serve.
The Lakewood Police Department would like to remind all citizens that if they see something unusual or of concern, please contact us at 732-363-0200 or 9-1-1.
UPDATE 5:07 PM: Statement from Attorney General Platkin on
Threat to NJ Synagogues
We have received information from our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigations of a credible potential threat to synagogues in our State. I have been in communication with our federal partners, Colonel Callahan of the New Jersey State Police, Director Laurie Duran of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, Director Pearl Minato of the Division of Criminal Justice, the 21 County Prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders across this state, to coordinate our response. Law enforcement will be increasing patrols in sensitive areas. Some of these patrols will be in marked vehicles and others will not – but please do not be alarmed if you observe an increase in police presence as we are taking these steps in an abundance of caution. We also call upon New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant and if you see suspicious activity please report it to your local authorities without delay. We continue to work together to keep New Jersey safe, and let those who would bring harm to the residents of this State know that New Jersey will not be home to hate, intolerance or violence.
UPDATE 6:55 PM: Statement from Jackson Police Chief Matt Kunz:
“Be advised that the Jackson Police Department is monitoring a potential threat to synagogues. While the information is vague, we are aware the threat exists, and will adjust our patrol strategies accordingly.
As ever, if you see anything suspicious, PLEASE report it immediately.
We should have a security guard at every shull especially the large ones.
That’s the difference between Israel and the USA.
The FBI tells everyone there is a warning and what are we left to do nothing. Is there more security? Are there more safety patrols? Are they saying they’re increasing security? No..
This is literally like Europe. You Jews go figure it out, if something happens we gave you a warning. Every shul should have 1 or 2 designated concealed carriers!! This is beyond ridiculous, don’t scare half a million Jew in NJ if you can’t provide at least some security advice or support.
I guess maybe we can follow Yaakov Avinu . In the Chumash, his advice was davening (praying) and also serious Hishtadlus (example: security guard with a real live weapon).
I am thinking about one more advice that can help us:
Minimize Machlokes (fighting)-inside fighting or outside fighting-not to cause other people to get angry—-
During the days of King Achav, since the nation was at peace, Hashem made sure that any individual that belongs to this peace loving nation–no one can harm them. Running after peace, Hashem will protect you big time.
Try it out.
As a security guard at a yeshiva in Lakewood,I am always on high alert!There are too many sick people in this world and I believe we must all be vigilant and quick to report even the slightest odd activity.
Thank you for your work!
Thank you for keeping the Yeshiva safe!
It’s disgusting that we have this threat. It comes down to all the MAGA,’s losing there mind. Keep voting for the GQP, who are backed by the KKK, Nazi’s and white supremacist. Just look at what the governor of Virginia is doing, just like Nazi Germany, tell on your neighbors.
Any shul that fails to at minimum have a combination lock is behaving recklessly!
You can have your combination lock i’ll stick with Hashem
I think I will do both.
whats this weeks parsha?
Lech lichah
Why is Jackson increasing patrols if there aren’t any shuls in Jackson!
This is clearly a message from Hashem about the lowering of tznius standards in Lakewood & elsewhere in NJ. We’ve had a few letters about breaches in tznius in the recent past. Women need to take upon themselves extra Chumros & being extra midakdake in tznius lest they be responsible for a tragedy. Hashem yirachem!
classic blame the women! What about the men??? why are the women always responsible?
Just wondering if anyone knows if it’s permitted Halochaly to carry on Shabbos?
Maybe it’s forbidden to daven in a shul till further notice…. Just like by Corona..only porch minyanim…… I for one have learned my lesson and take everything the government says with a grain of salt……
Well, guess what Berish. The government did NOT say it this time. Only YOU did. I, for one, take everything know-nothing-commenters say, with a grain, plus some more, of salt.
Bingo especially coming from the corrupt fbi
STOP THE TaALKING IN SHUL!!!!!!!
I very much hope that everyone still thinking of voting GOP understands that they are fomenting bigotry, racism, antisemitism. Their leaders don’t denounce others in the party who spew hatred of us. I am pleading with you to learn about their Book of Revelation and then you’ll fully understand why the GOP claims to be pro-Israel. They want the rapture to take place. As someone who lost family in the Holocaust, I beg of you to see what the GOP has become. Please stop listening to the lip service from them and watch them. Watch that neo nazis are following them. We cannot turn a blind eye to them. Look how they defend the madman attacking Ukraine. Putin claims he was rooting out fascists in Ukraine. Zelensky is Jewish. Americans of our faith are at risk every day because the GOP fires up their bigoted base. Know that Trump moving the embassy in Israel was solely and truly about pleasing his evangelical base, the base that wants to bring about the end of times. They no longer try to hide their intentions. Believe people when they show you who they are. And, understand that when they say no exceptions regardless of why a woman must end a pregnancy, they don’t care that this violates our religion. The life of the woman doesn’t matter. Pay attention. They no longer hide behind any veil. Ask yourself what Trump did with our classified information and that of Israel. To what enemy was it sold? Germans allowed the Holocaust to happen. Some actively, some passively. To deny what the GOP is doing is to risk everything. Ask yourself why Russian TV airs GOP talking points and why Fox airs Russian propaganda.