September 11, 2001 and recent violence against Jewish institutions in Seattle and Baltimore, Rabbis and School administrators have expressed concerns about security during the High Holidays.
As arranged by Senator Skelos, Commissioner Lawrence and police officers from the Fourth Precinct met with Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, Rav of Congregation Anshei Chesed and Chaplain of the Nassau County Police Department, local Rabbis and Yeshiva and Day School Administrators and lay community leaders. The meeting addressed security concerns and advised about the precautionary measures that will be taken in preparation for the Yomim Noraim.
Rabbi Lefkowitz, who as Chaplain of the Nassau County Police Department, has helped bridge the gap between the police and the Orthodox Community, opened the meeting by noting with gratitude the long-term relationship between Senator Skelos and the community and thanked the Senator for providing this most important forum for the community.
At the meeting, Rabbi Hershel Billet from Young Israel of Woodmere also raised the community’s concern about traffic safety on Peninsula Boulevard. With more than four different synagogues in a four mile stretch, Rabbi Billet noted the danger of hundreds of people crossing the street at the same time and that hundreds of congregants also walk to shul on the holiday of Sukkot. The Commissioner assured the gathered that patrols and traffic control would be stepped up to meet the safety needs of the community.
Rabbi Dovid Kramer, Executive Director of Yeshiva of South Shore, praised the local Police Department who respond swiftly and professionally to address any immediate concerns of the Yeshivas.
The Rabbanim and Administrators collectively thanked Senator Skelos for his unending efforts on behalf of the entire community and wished him much success in the coming New Year.
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