Pray For All In The Region: East Brunswick Mayor On Israel-Hamas War

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen released a statement on Sunday, expressing his anguish over the death and destruction in Israel.

Amid escalating battles between Israel and Hamas, Cohen issued a statement expressing solidarity with everyone suffering in the region.

"Like many of you, I am horrified at the tragic events that have and continue to unfold in Israel at this time," Cohen said. "I pray for all of those in the region and for those of us who have family and friends in Israel at this time."

More than 800 Israelis and 500 Palestinians have been killed as of Monday since Hamas launched a large-scale attack Saturday that broke the Gaza-Israel barrier.

More than 2,700 Palestinians and 2,200 Israelis have been wounded, according to their respective governments.

Israel formally declared war on Sunday.

New Jersey has seen no credible threats of attacks inspired by the ongoing violence, state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said last weekend. Nonetheless, law enforcement around the state increased patrols in sensitive areas — Jewish and Muslim houses of worship in particular — he said.

Despite no known local threats, East Brunswick officials have reached out to local synagogues and Hebrew schools to ensure the township meets their security needs, Cohen says.

"On the home front, residents and congregants at all of the East Brunswick synagogues and Hebrew schools should be aware that the East Brunswick Police Department is on full alert. There will be added patrols and a visible increase in police presence. All residents should remain calm. However, any suspicious activity should be reported to the East Brunswick Police Department immediately,” Cohen said.

“I pray for a rapid end to this conflict so that we could prevent the continued loss of innocent human lives.”

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