Security increases for Jewish community as holidays approach
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – As Hanukkah gets underway, the Jewish community is stepping up patrols at synagogues, temples, and community centers across the country, including right here in western Massachusetts. This need for increased security comes as the Israel-Hamas war continues to spark acts of antisemitism, including the incident we saw in Albany, New York, on Thursday, where a 28-year-old man opened fire outside of a synagogue shouting, “Free Palestine.”
We spoke with Nora Gorenstein, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Western Mass., who broke down what they’re doing to make sure their holiday events remain safe.
“We’re obviously concerned about both this incident in Albany and all of the many acts of antisemitism we’ve seen across the country,” she told us.