NYPD beefs up security measures for October 7 anniversary

The New York Police Department ordered its officers to be ready to deploy for any large demonstrations on Monday, the first anniversary of Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7.

The effort is part of a larger plan by the police department to increase security around the major Jewish holidays, starting with Rosh Hashanah last Wednesday and ending with Yom Kippur this Friday.

“All uniformed members of the service must remain ready to be mobilized at any time during their mission,” states an email directive sent to police officers Friday morning.

The directive, obtained by Gothamist, went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, October 7.

Police officials began deploying more officers and cameras to Jewish houses of worship last week, in coordination with state and federal agencies.

“We will have omnipresence and a real, visible presence of uniformed personnel,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference last Wednesday.

The New York Police Department deployed more than 50 cameras in “key locations” around the city during the Jewish High Holidays, although officials did not specify those locations, citing security reasons. Police have also deployed K9 teams to sweep hot spots daily, and NYPD air units are increasing their patrols.

Police have increased patrols of places of worship, including Jewish synagogues, according to NYPD Intelligence and Counterterrorism Commissioner Rebecca Weiner.

“For any of you who might feel uncomfortable because of what you see in the world, let me remind you that we do this every day,” she said during the press conference last week. “We have been doing this for two decades and with real and sustained intensity over the last year. And just a few days ago, we had a very successful deployment at the United Nations General Assembly. »

Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun ​​on the Upper East Side said the group has doubled its security budget to hire more guards.

“The NYPD provides additional security, but that is not enough to make our congregation feel safe,” Steinmetz said. “They want complete security that they can see at any time.”