“NY Jewish site security” : Man Arrested After Firing Shots Outside Temple Israel in Albany

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Albany, New York — New York state troopers were stationed outside Temple Israel in Albany on Friday, a day after a man armed with a shotgun fired two shots into the air outside the synagogue. The incident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, resulted in the lockdown of the synagogue’s preschool. The suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, fled to a nearby parking lot but was apprehended shortly after. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.

During a news conference on Thursday night, Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins revealed that the responding officers informed him that Alkhader made a comment expressing support for Palestine. However, investigators are still looking into the incident to determine if it should be classified as a hate crime.

In response to the shooting, New York Governor Kathy Hochul spoke with Dr. Rabbi Anderson and assured her that the state would do everything possible to restore a sense of security for the congregation. Governor Hochul also announced that she had put state police and the New York National Guard on high alert. She ordered these agencies to increase patrols at synagogues, yeshivas, and Jewish community centers across the state. These measures were already planned for Hanukkah, but the recent incident has prompted heightened security precautions.

The decision to increase security comes in the wake of a surge in antisemitic incidents nationwide. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there has been a 316% increase in antisemitic incidents in the first month following the start of the Israel-Hamas war compared to the same period last year. New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his commitment to ensuring that no New Yorkers feel targeted because of their identity or beliefs, emphasizing the importance of creating safe and welcoming communities.

Rabbi Marc Katz of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, New Jersey, shared his concerns about the recent incident, stating that his congregation is feeling scared and unnerved. However, he urged his congregation not to let antisemitism win and to remain proudly Jewish. This sentiment echoes the message of resilience and determination shared by many Jewish communities in the face of rising hatred and violence.

It is worth noting that Temple Israel had previously received a bomb threat in September, further highlighting the need for increased security measures. Governor Hochul announced her intention to attend Shabbat services at the temple on Friday evening as a show of support.

In court on Friday, Alkhader, an Iraqi-born U.S. citizen from Schenectady, New York, faced a single count of unlawfully possessing a firearm. The judge ordered him to remain in custody pending trial. It was revealed during the proceedings that Alkhader had a previous conviction for unlawful possession of marijuana, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

In conclusion, the Albany synagogue shooting has prompted a swift response from law enforcement and government officials. Measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities across New York state, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the incident. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of combating antisemitism and creating an environment where all individuals can feel safe and respected, regardless of their beliefs..