Increased Security At NJ Houses Of Worship After Attacks On Israel

NEW JERSEY — Law enforcement began stepping up patrols around New Jersey in sensitive areas, particularly Jewish and Islamic houses of worship, this weekend as Israel declared war against the militant group Hamas.

Over the weekend, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said there is "no credible threat" to the safety of any religious groups in the state, even as Jewish and Muslim worshippers may see more law enforcement around where they gather. The AG said he communicated with county prosecutors and law enforcement leaders across New Jersey to take security steps "out of 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," he said.

More than 800 Israelis and 500 Palestinians have been killed as of Monday, since Hamas launched a large-scale attack Saturday that broke the Gaza-Israel barrier. Israel formally declared war on Sunday.

More than 2,700 Palestinians and 2,200 Israelis have been wounded, according to their respective governments. At least nine American citizens have died, and an undetermined amount are missing and unaccounted for, the State Department said Monday.

New Jersey's attorney general acknowledged the worry that members of the Jewish diaspora have for the safety of loved ones abroad, as the attacks came during what is supposed to be one of the most festive times on the Jewish holiday calendar.

"While it is always our hope that the High Holidays can be celebrated freely and openly without fear, the reality is that growing extremism and antisemitism across the country requires that we remain vigilant and focused on combating hate at what is a joyous time for the Jewish community," Platkin said.

Last November, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued an alert of a “broad threat” to synagogues across the state. Police later arrested and charged a man in connection to the threats.

There was also an uptick in anti-semitic incidents reported in New Jersey in 2022, a total of 408 according to the Anti-Defamation League. The state had the third-highest number of assault, vandalism, or harassment reports against Jewish people, or those perceived to be Jewish, the ADL said earlier this year.

AG Platkin also said he convened a statewide meeting last month with law enforcement officials and leaders from the Jewish faith, as well as the wider interfaith community, "to ensure that sacred Jewish observances could occur without interruption from those fueled by hate."

New Jersey lawmakers — including Gov. Phil Murphy — have re-iterated support for Israel since Hamas launched the recent attacks, mirroring politicians around the United States.

"(First Lady) Tammy (Murphy) and I are sickened by the videos and images of Hamas terrorists attacking, killing, and kidnapping innocent Israeli civilians in an unprecedented coordinated series of terrorist attacks," Murphy said in a statement. "We share the pain that so many are feeling today in Israel, NJ, and across the world."

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) was in Israel when the attacks started, and said going on a jog when his chief of staff urged him to get back to the hotel. Booker spoke of the "fear and worry" he and others taking shelter there felt on Saturday, as he shared an update that he and his team were safe.

"After this experience, more than ever, I am committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate to continue supporting Israel’s security and ensuring stability in the region — and I hope one day soon, a long-term and just peace in the region," said Booker on Sunday.

The Palestinian uprising came after months of clashes between Israelis and Palestinians, including confrontations in Jenin and at Al-Aqsa mosque that killed nearly 250 Palestinians and 32 Israelis.

Hamas — a militant, fundamentalist Islamic organization — has governed Gaza since coming to power during the last-held elections in 2006. Several nations, including the United States, have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.

The Gaza Strip — the smaller of the two Palestinian territories — has been under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007. With 2.3 million residents unable to enter or leave, critics of Israel often call the territory an open-air prison.

New Jersey's chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights-advocacy organization condemned leaders' unequivocal support for Israel.

"To paint an image of one-sidedness is both inaccurate and unethical, and an affront to the Palestinian American families and communities here in New Jersey," said the Council on American-Islamic Relations in New Jersey.

Patch's Josh Bakan contributed to this report.