Saturday night’s horrific attack in Monsey — following on the heels of the murderous attack in Jersey City and multiple violent anti-Semitic incidents on the streets of New York — makes clear that security is not a hypothetical concern, but a pressing need.

Today, in conjunction with our partner the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), we announced the hiring of Mitchell D. Silber, one of the city’s top security professionals and former NYPD Director of Intelligence Analysis, to the newly created position of Community Security Director. Read the full announcement here.

In his new role, Mitchell will be leading a team of five new security professionals to help provide hands-on security support for the approximately 2,000 Jewish institutions in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island.

Under the auspices of JCRC-NY and the Westchester Jewish Council, the security team will work directly with synagogues, schools, and other Jewish institutions to provide training, help access government security funds, and coordinate with law enforcement. Additionally, we’re enhancing a communitywide communication system to connect all Jewish institutions in New York, allowing for real-time notifications and alerts.

As we prepare to usher in 2020, we must do all we can to address the growing threat of anti-Semitism. But we must not let fear define us. So as we celebrate the last day of Hanukkah, let’s commit to enter the new decade a vibrant Jewish community that continues to increase the light in our city and the world.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and more peaceful 2020.