In a high-stakes NYPD security briefing held at One Police Plaza, Mayor Eric Adams delivered a resolute message: New York City will remain a safe haven for all its residents during the upcoming High Holidays, despite rising global tensions and the painful memory of the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel, which marked a year of heightened vigilance.

Mayor Adams stated, “This city will utilize not only the cameras that are assigned to the New York City Police Department, but our partners through the surveillance throughout the entire city.”

He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for any unlawful disruptions, asserting, “We will not accept for people to be threatened at their places of work, their places of worship, or any place here in New York City.”

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Interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon echoed the mayor’s commitment, noting, “This time of year is about unity, working with each other, sharing information, and every individual has the right to freely express their religious beliefs without fear.”

Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner highlighted the NYPD’s proactive counterterrorism measures, stating, “We remain on high alert. We remain responsive to the threat environment. But we do this work very well, and we do it all the time.”

The briefing also underscored the NYPD’s collaboration with community leaders. Eric Goldstein of the UJA-Federation of New York expressed gratitude for the city’s support, saying, “Thanks to the mayor’s efforts, the efforts of his team, the efforts of Commissioner Donlon and NYPD, each day the Jewish community of New York does all the things it does in Jewish spaces feeling comfortable and confident that they can do so.”

Devorah Halberstam, director of the Jewish Children’s Museum, poignantly remarked, “The line is blurred between the Jews in New York City and the Jews in Israel… We will not capitulate. We will survive, as we always have.”

With increased patrols, strategic deployments, and enhanced surveillance, the NYPD is poised to ensure a secure environment for all New Yorkers. Chief Joseph Kenny reported a 29% rise in hate crimes this year, with the Jewish community being predominantly targeted. In response, the NYPD has fortified its Hate Crimes Task Force, making over 300 arrests so far.

Mayor Adams concluded with a powerful message against hate, “We will never surrender to fear and hate in this city. That is not going to happen, and you’re going to be able to celebrate your heritage, no matter what it is, in the City of New York, one of the most diverse cities on the globe.”