Faith leaders from across the city recently gathered on the steps of City Hall to call for security funding for houses of worship across the city. Hosted by Councilman Chaim Deutsch, the rally was attended by dozens of community leaders and activists representing a variety of ethnicities and religious backgrounds.
“In the wake of tragedies in Poway, Pittsburgh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, it is clear that our houses of worship are vulnerable to threats,” said Councilman Deutsch. “New Yorkers of faith deserve to be safe as they worship—it’s as simple as that. Houses of worship need a layer of protection to keep congregants safe, such as an armed guard. We must be pro-active and fund security,” said the Councilman.
Councilman Kalman Yeger, who recently introduced a bill calling for armed security guards at houses of worship, also participated in the rally. He said that “government has certain very basic obligations. The most predominant of all is to keep its citizens safe. We have to know that we will be protected in our own house of worship. Our bill will allow any house of worship to hire private security, submit for reimbursement, and have the city pay the bill. “This is our city and our money, and safety in our houses of worship is our most fundamental right.”
Also in attendance was David Heskiel, NYPD clergy liaison, and Sephardic community liaison to councilman Deutsch.
Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo, Councilman Ruben Diaz, Councilman Mathew Eugene, Councilman Mark Treyger, community and faith leaders from across the city, including Rabbi David Zweibel from Agudath Israel of America, Eric Goldstein CEO of UJA Federation of America, Josh Melhman FJCC president, Rabbi Michael Miller CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, Devorah Halberstam Director of External Affairs at the Jewish Children’s Museum, NYPD Community Affairs Detective Mohamed Amen, NYPD Captain Rana and representatives from numerous synagogues, churches and mosques throughout the city, were there to lend support, as well.
