Community leaders, law enforcement officials, and security professionals gathered Wednesday evening for the Community Security Initiative’s (CSI) Pre-Passover Security Briefing, aimed at strengthening coordination and preparedness ahead of the upcoming holiday.
The event brought together representatives from the Rockland County Police Chiefs Association, the Town of Ramapo, the Town of Clarkstown, Town of Haverstraw, Town of Stony Point, Town of Orangetown, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Chaverim of Rockland, New Square Emergency Services, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and federal partners, along with leaders from synagogues, schools, and Jewish organizations across Rockland County.
During the briefing, CSI officials warned that threats and hostile rhetoric targeting Jewish communities have increased in recent weeks. According to CSI intelligence analysts, the spike began following the start of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, involving U.S. and Israeli forces. Officials noted that global tensions can often translate into threats against Jewish institutions in the United States.
Speakers also highlighted several recent incidents raising concern internationally and domestically, including a mass shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas where the suspect reportedly wore clothing with Iranian symbols, arrests in the United Kingdom involving individuals accused of spying on Jewish communities for Iran, and a reported IRGC-linked plot in Azerbaijan targeting Israeli diplomatic and Jewish sites. Officials also referenced the recent attempted use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at a political demonstration in New York City, where suspects reportedly made statements sympathetic to ISIS.
Security officials stressed that online rhetoric can quickly translate into real-world threats. They cited a recent social media post by commentator Candace Owens that falsely portrayed Jewish communities and institutions in a threatening light, warning that such messaging can fuel antisemitism and potentially inspire violence.
Organizers emphasized that while some rhetoric targets specific Jewish groups, those seeking to harm the Jewish community often make no distinction between different Jewish denominations or communities. In past cases, extremist posts have even attempted to identify and target entire Jewish neighborhoods.
Despite the challenges, officials praised Rockland County’s strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The Rockland County Police Chiefs Association, they noted, plays a key role in sharing intelligence and coordinating responses among departments across the county.
The briefing itself served as an example of that collaboration, bringing together representatives from the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, New York State Police, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, local police departments, Chaverim, Hatzoloh, the ADL, Agudath Israel, Jewish Federation, and leaders of synagogues and schools from across the county.
CSI leaders also highlighted several accomplishments over the past year, including training more than 150 community members in the “Stop the Bleed” emergency response program. In September 2025, CSI also organized a delegation trip to Israel for law enforcement executives from the New York area, including Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman, Clarkstown Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker, and Chief Deirdre Smith from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. During the trip, participants met with Israeli police officials to learn about security challenges in complex multicultural environments such as the Old City of Jerusalem.
Back in Rockland County, CSI continues to work closely with more than 150 Jewish institutions, including synagogues and schools, providing security assessments, active shooter training, and guidance for large events while helping ensure direct lines of communication with law enforcement.
Organizers concluded the evening emphasizing that the safety of the Jewish community depends on continued vigilance, strong partnerships, and cooperation between community organizations and law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
The event was coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Rockland County.
