Jcrc Urges Law Enforcement Officials to Combat Anti-semitism

Representatives of the Jewish community in the metropolitan area called on Attorney General Robert Abrams to convene a special meeting of the District Attorneys, police officials, and others responsible for law enforcement in the metropolitan area to deal with the growing number of anti-Semitic acts of vandalism and harassment.

Laurence Tisch, president of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC) and Peggy Tishman, Chairman of the JCRC Commission on Jewish Security and Police Liaison, expressed the hope that such a meeting would result in a comprehensive regional approach that would provide for greater security for institutions, communities and individuals, and lead to a sharing of resources, information and ideas.

Some months ago the JCRC established a special monitoring unit to keep frock of anti-Semitic incidents. It has noted that incidents, aside from those that are economically motivated, are occurring with greater frequency. Swastika daubings, cross burnings, synagogue desecration and other hostile acts are being evidenced throughout the metropolitan area.

Mrs. Tishman noted, “we have received excellent cooperation from the police departments but recognize that they are limited in their resources, manpower and mandate. Steps have been taken by officials in New York City and some of the suburban areas, but we feel that more is called for and have asked Attorney General Abrams to mobilize all those responsible for law enforcement. We believe that the meeting will be important to making clear the severity with which these actions are viewed and the determination of ## enforcement agencies to stop them.” Tisch added: “It is essential that there be a comprehensive approach to assure that those responsible for these crimes are apprehended, that Klan or Nazi activity be properly monitored and that there be maximum cooperation and communication among all enforcement agencies.”