Hanukkah Massacre In Australia Prompts Increased Security In NJ

Jewish places of worship across New Jersey are seeing increased law enforcement presence following the antisemitic terror attack that killed at least 15 in Australia this weekend.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and Governor Phil Murphy have condemned the massacre and announced that residents can expect more security measures around synagogues and other places where the holiday is celebrated.

“I am appalled and outraged by the antisemitic terrorist attack in Australia—just as families around the world gather to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah,” Platkin said. “While there is no known threat to New Jersey, I have directed an increase in police presence around holiday celebrations here.”

Police in Somerset County are among several law enforcement agencies across the state that are increasing security measures. On Monday, the Sheriff’s Office announced that they will increase vigilance at critical locations and houses of worship during the holidays.

“Sheriff Darrin Russo and all of us in the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office will work tirelessly to make sure that hate has no home in Somerset County!” said the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

More police could be found at a Hanukkah celebration in Cherry Hill, where Jewish residents gathered on Sunday to kick off the first night of the eight-day celebration.

Hundreds of people came together for the annual giant menorah lighting in Cherry Hill, which has one of the state's largest Jewish populations.

“Our Menorah will be lit, and we will stand strong to bring more light into the world, at this most difficult time," said Rabbi Mendel Mangel, founder and co-director of the Chabad Lubavitch of Camden and Burlington Counties. "Now more than ever, we must stand together, stronger than ever, light our torches 10-fold."

Murphy, who said he was “horrified by the cowardly terrorist attack,” has organized a meeting between NJ State Police, the Attorney General, and Homeland Security officials to coordinate with rabbis and Jewish community leaders who believe they could be at risk.

At this time, however, there is no specific threat in New Jersey, officials say.

Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill was also among the many leaders in New Jersey outraged by the attack.

“As antisemitism continues to rise across the globe, we have a responsibility here in New Jersey to stand up against hate and make sure that our Jewish friends and neighbors can worship safely, proudly, and without fear,” she said.

The Bondi Beach Mass Shooting

At least 15 people, ranging between the ages of 10 and 87, are dead following a mass shooting at a popular beach in Sydney, Australia, during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday, the Associated Press reported.

Reports say that a father and son duo, ages 50 and 24, are responsible for the attack. The father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead during the massacre, and his son, Naveed Akram, was being treated in the hospital.

According to AP, the pair were inspired by “Islamic State ideology,” Australian officials believe.

At least 25 people are hospitalized from the attack, with 10 in critical condition, AP says.

AP Story Here: Australian police say Bondi Beach mass shooting was inspired by Islamic State group

Alexis Tarrazi and June Bakan contributed reporting.