BK Synagogues Amp Up Security As Antisemitic Incidents Rise

BROOKLYN, NY — A spike in antisemitic incidents spurred the city's largest Jewish charity to fund free security in dozens of Brooklyn synagogues, the organization announced this week.

The UJA-Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council Of New York set up a $250,000 fund to give free security packages to at least 50 small synagogues in the borough.

The fund comes as antisemitic incidents rise. The NYPD hate crimes unit reported 22 hate crimes against Jewish people so far this year, compared to eight in the same time period last year, according to the Federation.

Just last week, swastikas and other graffiti were spray-painted on a yeshiva school bus in Williamsburg and a Jewish man was punched while walking down a Bed-Stuy street, according to elected officials and police.

“No synagogue should be left without proper security measures just because they lack access to necessary funding,” Federation CEO Eric S. Goldstein said.

“Whether praying in the largest shul in Manhattan or the smallest shtiebel in Brooklyn, every Jew deserves the right to worship in peace and security.”

The security boost will help synagogues — in Midwood, Kensington, Williamsburg, Crown Heights, Borough Park and Flatbush — that don't have enough staff or resources to protect themselves against potential threats.

About 250 synagogues in Brooklyn fit the profile — capacity of fewer than 200 people and a limited staff — designed to reach synagogues often excluded from government funding, the organization said.

The Federation's security enhancement packages will include new doors, locks or video cameras and come with active shooter and access control training for staff or key congregants.

The packages will be coordinated with community groups, including Agudath Israel of America, Boro Park Jewish Community Council, Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, and Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush, as well as neighborhood civilian patrols, the federation said.

Synagogues that are interested in the funding can apply online.