Patrols Increase In Hudson Valley As FBI Warns Of NJ Synagogue Threats

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — After the FBI warned of credible threats against New Jersey synagogues, law enforcement in the Hudson Valley isn't leaving anything to chance, increasing patrols and asking the public to report anything remotely suspicious right away.

"The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in the State of New Jersey. In an abundance of caution we ask residents to stay vigilant and report any activity they deem suspicious," according to a statement from the Rockland County Sheriff's Office. "If you see something, say something. There will be increased patrols at synagogues within our community."

Officials in Ramapo expressed similar sentiments.

"The Ramapo Police Department is aware of the recent tweet sent by the FBI Newark Office," the Town of Ramapo Police Department said. "We are in communication with our law enforcement partners. We have increased our police presence in and around our religious communities and Houses of Worship. We ask that Houses of Worship increase their security posture. If you see anything suspicious, please notify law enforcement as soon as possible."

Spring Valley, meanwhile, said that an increased police presence will not be limited to synagogues.

"The Spring Valley Police Department is aware of the recent tweet sent by the FBI Newark Office," Spring Valley Police Department said. "There will be increased police presence in the Village and we ask that the community remains vigilant. Please contact the Spring Valley Police Department immediately with any questions or concerns."

Officials in Westchester County also promised a stepped-up police presence and urged vigilance.

SEE ALSO: NJ Synagogues Under Threat, FBI Says In Warning

The FBI on Thursday issued an alert to New Jersey synagogues, warning houses of worship of a "broad threat" and urging staff to take safety precautions.

The FBI's Newark office posted the alert to Twitter.

"The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ," the alert read. "We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility."

The FBI released no additional information but said authorities will "share more information as soon as they can."

Antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high in the United States in 2021, according to an April report by the Anti-Defamation League. In all, 2,717 incidents of assault, harassment and vandalism were reported to the ADL.

Attacks against Jewish institutions, including Jewish community centers and synagogues, were up by 61 percent in 2021, according to the report.

With reporting from Patch's Megan Verheist.