FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI Director Christopher Wray spoke about the threats during a meeting with Secure Community Network, a Jewish community nonprofit safety and training organization.

Jon Dowding

Apr 20, 2024, 2:41 AM

Updated 250 days ago

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The FBI says it's on alert for threats to Jewish places of worship nationwide, as millions of Jewish Long Islanders prepare for Passover on Monday.
FBI Director Christopher Wray spoke about the threats during a meeting with Secure Community Network, a Jewish community nonprofit safety and training organization.
"We at the FBI are closely tracking these very real threats that have your communities on edge and we’re actively hitting back at the perpetrators full force,” said Wray.
In spite of the threats, Rabbi Joshua Dorsch, of the Merrick Jewish Center, says this Passover will serve as a message of hope and resilience.
"The Jewish people are a resilient people,” he said. “That's one of the messages of Passover. Let my people go. We pray for the hostages, we pray for their family and we pray for peace."
Dorsch also says opportunities to come together are vital at times like this.
"The climate, the atmosphere, it's an uneasy time,” said Dorsch. “It's at times when we feel uneasy that we need community more than any other time. So, we're here."
Hassan Ahmed, of the Suffolk County district attorney’s Anti-Bias Council, says a threat to one religion is a threat to all.
"We must feel protected. We must feel respected in our houses of worship in our communities, and we must all work together to ensure that that's the case,” said Ahmed. "There's much more that connects us than separates us."
Nassau and Suffolk police both confirmed to News 12 each agency will step up patrols of Jewish places of worship ahead of Passover.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder released a statement about the increased patrols:
“County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder have been in continuous discussions with regard to any Lone Wolf attacks with the upcoming Passover holiday. The Police Department has increased their security measures around Synagogues and all Houses of Worship. We continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement intelligence partners to ensure that all Nassau residents are able to observe their faith in a safe environment. The public is reminded to call 911 immediately if they observe any threats or suspicious activity.”