New Jersey Law Enforcement and the Antisemitic Threat to Churches and Synagogues: Response to a New Jersey Message from the FBI

According to a message from the FBI’s office in New Jersey, they have received information about a broad threat to synagogues in the state.

“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 an emergency, call the police.

Part of that concern, the source added, comes because of previous mass killings involving extremists who posted on social media, including the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue killings, the deadliest attack on Jewish people on US soil; the 2019 mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, the deadliest attack on Latinos in modern US history; and the May massacre at a Buffalo supermarket, an attack which officials said was racially motivated.

Murphy said that they are working with local law enforcement to make sure houses of worship are protected.

The Attorney General of New Jersey has warned residents not to be alarmed by increased police patrols in sensitive areas.

The president of a company that provides security for hundreds of Jewish houses of worship said he sent out guidance to clients to ask for additional security from law enforcement.

Synagogues should contact local law enforcement and “request not just increased patrols but actual manpower during prayers and other activities,” said Joshua Gleis, of Gleis Security Consulting.

“We urge our leaders and community partners to speak out against this outrageous act and ask that all communities remain vigilant, though we have not been informed of any particular additional threats to Jewish institutions in New Jersey at this time,” they added.

The NYPD also said Thursday its Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureaus were working with the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the FBI to “ensure the safety and well-being of every area that encompasses our Jewish citizens and synagogues here in New York City and the tri-state area.”

Over the past few years, the US has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents, with 941 incidents in 2015 jumping to 2,717 tracked in 2021 by the Anti-Defamation League. On Thursday, the ADL said it was working with the FBI and advised synagogues and Jewish organizations to remain calm and alert.

West previously made a series of antisemitic outbursts, notably on October 8, when he tweeted he was “going death con 3 [sic] On JEWISH PEOPLE,” and also that, “You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda,” without specifying what group he was addressing, according to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine records pulled by CNN.

His account was locked by the social media company. West told Morgan that he was sorry for what he did but that he had no regrets.

Antisemitic Hate Crimes in Jewish Communities: A New Jersey Synagogue Targeted with an Incendiary Device

The suspect lit and threw a Molotov cocktail at the front door of Temple Ner Tamid around 3 a.m. and fled the scene, Bloomfield police said in a news release. The bottle broke, but did not cause any damage to the building, police said.

There is a preschool and a K-12 religious school at the temple. It describes itself as a “welcoming, diverse, and musical Reform congregation where members connect with their heritage while thinking progressively about the present.”

Police in Livingston said that they would increase patrols of temples in the area after the attack. Livingston is about eight miles west of the city.

The Attorney General said that violence continued to erupt in Israel, and while the nation contemplated violence at home. Platkin was added.

The activities of the synagogue were paused for the day, and there will be an ongoing police presence into the week.

The rabbi said that everything worked as it should, according to CNN. The synagogue will do all it can to keep the community safe, because of the shatter resistant doors and its cameras.

I can’t persuade our community to not be depressed. “There is a lot of hate and hate wins when we allow it to penetrate.” The weight of the issue grows too heavy, I remind my group that despite what is happening in Jewish communities around the world, babies are named, children are educated, and people are married. No act of hate can stop the power of religious freedom.”

Dov Ben-Shimon, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey, to which Temple Ner Tamid belongs, wrote on Twitter that the attack was part of a wider spike in antisemitic hate crimes.

“Our Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ will continue to work with all partners in the community to stand up to hate, build our resilience, and promote safety and security,” he said.

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness also said in a statement they are “aware and closely monitoring an early morning incident in Bloomfield, NJ, where an unidentified suspect targeted a synagogue with an incendiary device.”

Authorities are searching for the suspect who threw a Molotov cocktail at a New Jersey synagogue over the weekend, an incident that caused no damage but rattled the community nonetheless.

Bloomfield detectives say a joint investigation with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is ongoing, and are asking anyone with knowledge of the incident to call with information or email them any videos.

A Jewish-Neighbor’s Witness for an Anti-Racism Event on Sunday, July 11, 2002: At a Holocaust Remembrance Day

In a statement, several Jewish groups noted that Sunday’s attack happened just days after the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, when “we are reminded of where such horrific actions can lead.”

Officials are speaking out. “We must come together to eradicate antisemitism from our community,” said Michael Venezia, mayor of Bloomfield.

“Our Jewish neighbors are important members of our community and beloved by everyone,” she wrote. Attacks against them are attacks against us all, and we have a responsibility to stand up against antisemitism wherever it arises.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said it is working with other agencies to investigate a “possible bias-motivated incident” that took place at Trinity Episcopal Church during an anti-racism event on Friday night.

Asbury Park Police notified the prosecutor’s office “based upon the nature of the allegations,” it said, adding only that there were no known or confirmed injuries to any civilians.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted on Sunday that he had been briefed about both incidents, condemning the acts and declaring that “there is no place for violence or hate in New Jersey.”