NASSAU COUNTY, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was today joined by Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Jewish faith leaders to announce increased and intensified protection efforts around Synagogues and other areas of concern during the Jewish High Holy Days. Information was also be provided regarding adaptions being made to ensure COVID-19 precautions are followed, including virtual, outdoor, and reduced capacity gatherings.
“Nassau County continues to work closely with faith leaders and houses of worship across the County to provide security assessments, training, and other resources to ensure all worshippers are kept safe. As our Jewish community begins observance of the High Holy Days, we are stepping up police patrols at Synagogues and other key areas of concern to ensure the safety of residents. As I have throughout the pandemic, I’m talking to faith leaders about how they’re adapting to make it work, and I’m confident we’ll continue to stay smart and stay safe. Let’s continue to wear our masks, maintain six feet distance, wash hands often, and – whenever possible – move activities outside. I want to extend warm wishes to all for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. L’Shanah Tovah,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
“The Nassau County Police will continue to intensify patrols around our houses of worship during the High Holy Days. Our Homeland Security Unit provides additional training resources, which includes Security Surveys and Situational Awareness. I strongly encourage our residents to call 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious so that police can investigate,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
“My special regards and blessings to the County Executive Laura Curran, and the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Larry Eisenstein, for all that they’ve done for the people of Nassau County. It is absolutely essential that we have beautiful and safe High Holiday and regular daily public prayers. The safest way to do so is to follow the public health guidelines that we have put out which include requiring masking and social distancing in a religiously appropriate and safe manner for all participants. May G-d Grant all of us a very safe, happy, healthy and sweet New Year,” said Dr. Aaron E. Glatt, Chairman of Department of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital.
“We are actively working on creating socially distant services for our community members protecting them from the virus. It is nice to know that our county officials are there to help ensure that we are able to celebrate the holiday in a safe and secure environment. Thank you to our County Executive Laura Curran and NCPD Commissioner Ryder for always being so supportive of the Jewish community of Nassau County,” said Rabbi Shalom Axelrod of the Young Israel of Woodmere.
“These are meant to be the days of Awe, not the days of fear. During this period of heightened anxiety on all fronts, ae are most certainly grateful to the County Executive, Laura Curran, the Police Commissioner, Patrick Ryder, and the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Stuart Eisenstein for working so closely with our community toward the goals of ensuring its welfare and safety. Their devotion and commitment, accessibility and response has been outstanding,” said Mordechai Kamenetzky, Dean of the Yeshiva of the South Shore.