A statement from the Riverdale Jewish Community Council (RJCC):
The news of a terror plot centered in Riverdale, and targeted at two of our precious houses of worship, is evidence once again of the presence of hatred and violence in our world. It is heartening, however, to know that our community was protected by the skill and vigilance of our law enforcement agencies. This incident is a reminder that although there is, as Rabbi Rosenblatt of the Riverdale Jewish Center said, a "subterranean river of hate" running under our world, those who seek to harm us will never prevail.
The RJCC was briefed, along with a group of rabbis and community leaders, by NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly and senior representatives of the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. In light of this most recent event, the Riverdale Jewish Community Council in collaboration with the Riverdale Y and the Jewish Community Relations Council of NY, is working to convene a security summit with representatives of the NYPD’s anti-terrorism task force, focused on the security of local houses of worship and other Jewish institutions.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first attempt to terrorize a house of worship in Riverdale,” said Ari Hoffnung, the RJCC’s chairman. “This incident demonstrates the need for the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant agencies to expand the funding of security grants for religious institutions and houses of worship. High-density, high-vulnerability areas like New York ought to receive all resources necessary to protect themselves.”
The Riverdale Jewish community joins all Jews and Americans in awaking this morning with gratitude to the FBI and others involved in foiling this plot, and with determination to continue to worship and gather as a people of peace.
