A drive to check the surge in vandalism and the its at the city’s churches and synagogues was launched at a joint meeting of police, ministers and rabbis at the headquarters of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith. Police Department Chief of Operations Patrick Murphy urged the 100 assembled clergymen to take advantage of special police preventive programs and consultative services.
Provided at no cost, these services include, Murphy said, comprehensive surveys of religious premises and suggested measures to prevent and minimize the damage from vandalism and thefts.
The meeting was sponsored by the ADL, the Council of Jewish Organizations in the Civil Service (CJOCS) and the Police Department’s Shomrim Society. A $1000 reward for information provided to the police leading to an arrest and conviction for vandalism or burglary of a synagogue was offered by Louis Weiser, president of the CJOCS.
Avrom Brog, chairman of ADL’s New York Regional Board, pledged the ADL would continue to cooperate with police and clergy of all faiths in programs designed to provide greater security from vandals and thieves who pray upon houses of worship.
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