Northeast Ohio Police Vow Support For Jewish Community

CLEVELAND — In the wake of anti-Semitic attacks in New York, police departments across Northeast Ohio issued a statement of support for the region's Jewish community. The Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association said, "Hatred has no home here."

In late December, around 100 people were in the synagogue in the basement of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg, in Monsey, New York, celebrating the second-to-last night of Hanukkah when a man walked in and started stabbing people with what, officials say, was either a machete or other long knife.

Five people were wounded in the attack. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the stabbings.

Weeks before that attack, two people rushed into a kosher grocery in Jersey City and killed three people before being shot by police.

The rush of violence prompted a show of support from Northeast Ohio's police. On Jan. 1, 2020, the Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association issued the following statement:

This past week, the Jewish community was again targeted in a violent, anti-Semitic attack – this time in Monsey, New York. The Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association condemns such cowardly acts, which are painful reminders of the damage that can be caused by hate and ignorance. We want our fellow residents to know that the brave men and women of our police forces are paying close attention to all houses of worship, as well as the diverse religious and ethnic communities that make Cuyahoga County so special. Furthermore, we will prosecute anyone who attempts to carry out an attack in our community to the fullest extent under the law - hatred has no home here.

Sevearl east side suburbs added to the statement.

Cleveland Heights police said: "As we always have, the CHPD stands with all Houses of Worship to prevent such crimes of violence motivated by hate and ignorance."

Solon police said: "Solon PD stands in support of this notification from the Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association."

City of Beachwood said: "Our City of Beachwood safety forces are constantly monitoring these situations and work closely with the Federation and state & federal agencies."

Beachwood police said: "As our Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association states in this letter, we stand together with the our houses of worship to prevent and combat crimes motivated by hate and ignorance. A hearty thank you to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for your continued support of our efforts."