NEW JERSEY – A threat to synagogues in New Jersey reported by the FBI underscored what Jewish people in the state already knew: bias crimes against them are increasing.
Authorities were silent as to the exact nature of the threat, only that it was “credible information” and that people should take heed of the warning.
“The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ. 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 emergency call police,” FBI Newark stated. “The FBI takes all threats seriously and we are working with our law enforcement partners actively investigating this threat. We are also engaged with our faith-based partners in the affected community. We are taking a proactive measure with this warning while investigative processes are carried out.”
The location was not specified. The “affected community” could mean the Jewish community as opposed to a town or neighborhood.
Every year, the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) Center on Extremism tracks incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism and assault in the United States. The number of incidents reported in 2021 was 2,717 – a 34% increase from 2020 and the highest number since they started to record them in 1979.
It’s important to note that some incidents don’t get reported, especially in the case of bias incidents against school-aged children.
Of the total, 1,776 were harassment, 853 were vandalism, and 88 were assault. Regarding the assaults, there were 131 victims, and none of the attacks were fatal. Additionally, 77 of the attacks were without the use of a deadly weapon.
“Incidents in K-12 schools, colleges and universities increased in 2021 but were flat compared to the five-year average,” ADL reported. “In 2021, ADL logged 331 incidents at non-Jewish K-12 schools (up 106% from 161 in 2020), and 155 incidents at colleges and universities (up 21% from 128 in 2020).
“In 2021, there were 525 logged incidents at Jewish institutions such as synagogues, Jewish community centers, and Jewish schools, an increase of 61% from 327 in 2020. 413 were incidents of harassment, 101 were incidents of vandalism and 11 were incidents of assault,” they said.
The top three states for incidents were New York (416), New Jersey (370), and California (367).
They were able to attribute 484 of the incidents to hate groups.
The Ocean and Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Offices also let residents know they were taking the threat seriously.
“We at MCPO have contacted our local police chiefs to increase patrols at our synagogues, and are asking the general public, including our Jewish communities across Monmouth County: if you see something, say something by contacting local authorities,” the Monmouth Prosecutor’s Office said.
Ultimately, the threat was found but the police presence remained.
“The FBI has indicated that the source of the threat to synagogues in New Jersey has been identified and mitigated,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said in a later statement. “In an abundance of caution, we will maintain an increased law enforcement presence around temples and synagogues. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners at the federal, State and local level to protect our houses of worship in Ocean County. We will take all necessary security precautions to ensure the safety of our residents in Ocean County. Even though the threat has been mitigated, please stay vigilant and remember, if you see something, say something!”
Lakewood Police also issued a statement noting that it was working with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department to increase patrols of marked and unmarked vehicles.
“In addition, we have also deployed specially trained rapid response officers. Although there isn’t any specific information pertaining to Lakewood, we are in communication with our local, county and federal counterparts in order to ensure the greatest protection to those we serve.”
Suspicious activity should be reported to your local police department, or you can call 911 or the Counterterrorism Watch Desk at 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ (1-866-472-3365) or email tips@njohsp.gov.
Funding For Security
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded 131 New Jersey faith-based and nonprofit organizations a total of $18.9 million from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Through the NSGP, faith institutions will receive support to prevent, protect against, and recover from terrorist attacks, including by installing physical security improvements, implementing emergency readiness programs, and improving community safety.
“We cannot ignore the disturbing rise in bias incidents and hate crimes, nor can we tolerate threats to any religious or cultural community,” said Senator Cory Booker when the grants were announced on October 13. “These security grants will help protect communities across New Jersey against dangerous hate-filled attacks and support our state’s vital infrastructure.”
“Because of our state’s proximity to large metro areas, airports, seaports and transit hubs, New Jersey must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any type of attack,” said Senator Bob Menendez. “This critical funding will provide our first responders and nonprofit organizations added resources to safeguard our communities and protect New Jersey residents.”
“No person should fear violence because of who they are or who they worship,” said Representative Tom Malinowski. “This crucial funding will bring peace of mind for thousands of residents in my district and help preserve the religious freedoms we hold dear.”
Take Action
The ADL crafted an action plan for governmental figures as part of their audit of incidents, located here: adl.org/audit2021
1. Speak out against antisemitism and all forms of hate.
2. Fund protections for communal institutions.
3. Promote education on hate crimes for law enforcement officials.
4. Improve hate crime data collection.
5. Promote anti-bias, bullying prevention, civics education and Holocaust and genocide education programs in elementary and secondary schools.
6. Protect democracy.
7. Fight extremism.
8. Address online antisemitism.
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