Security heightened at local synagogues

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After a knife-wielding, mentally ill man walked into a Crown Heights synagogue and attacked a rabbinical student last week, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, one of thousands of Chabad-Lubavitch centers around the world, has increased its security measures.

“It feels like somebody walking into my house and is doing this to my brother,” Rabbi Levi Shemtov of the Chabad of Riverdale said after he learned of the tragedy.  

According to authorities, after 1:30 a.m. Calvin Peters, 49, walked into the basement of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn on Dec. 9 and stabbed Levi Rosenblatt, 22, in the head with a knife. Police reportedly shot the attacker when he refused to drop the knife and lunged at them.

Mr. Rosenblatt, who was taken to Kings Country Hospital before undergoing surgery at Bellevue Hospital, survived. His attacker was taken to Kings County Hospital, where he died. 

“We’re always on high alert, but this has prompted us to be more alert,” said Rabbi Shemtov

He added that Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale has connected with Deputy Inspector Paul Rasa, the commanding officer of the 50th Precinct, to ensure that congregants and children who participate in youth programs on the site are safe after the recent Crown Heights synagogue intrusion. 

“They’re always in the vicinity,” said Rabbi Shemtov, who added that in addition to police presence, security guards are also present daily at the Riverdale location. 

Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, which is part of the global Hasidic organization and movement, has updated cameras, doors, windows and lighting in addition to an alarm system in light of the recent stabbing, he said.  

News of last week’s violence came as a shock to Rabbi Shemtov, who attended a five-day conference at the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters with more than 4,000 Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries last month.

Recalling the tragedy in Crown Heights, he said, “That’s the place that we grew up in. That’s where we prayed.”

Members of other local synagogues expressed similar concerns after hearing about the recent violence. 

Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Calvin Peters, Levi Rosenblatt, Tanisia Morris
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