On Thursday night, November 3, South Orange and Maplewood township leaders and police announced that they are coordinating efforts to protect local synagogues after the FBI reported a credible threat against Jewish synagogues in the state of New Jersey.
Read their statements below.
From South Orange Police Chief Ernesto Morillo:
The South Orange Police has taken precautions in response to a credible threat against Jewish Synagogues in the State of New Jersey. We have increased patrols to our Jewish houses of worship and recommend that until further information is received that our temples conduct services via Zoom. The South Orange Police will maintain close communication with our National and State law enforcement agencies to ensure that our community remains safe for all of our members and visitors alike.
Our focus is Public Safety for all and our officers will remain vigilant as this investigation continues.
As always, please report any suspicious activity to the South Orange Police Department at 973-763-3000. For emergencies dial 911.
Chief Ernesto Morillo
From Maplewood Township:
In response to the FBI receiving credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in New Jersey, the Maplewood Police Department, in coordination with the South Orange Police Department, will be taking proactive measures. We are coordinating operational and tactical responses to ensure the safety of all of our synagogues and of our Jewish friends and neighbors. We have increased patrols around synagogues in our townships and are coordinating with our state and federal counterparts in order to ensure protection for everyone we serve.
We stand with our Jewish friends and neighbors, call out Antisemitism everywhere as abhorrent, and will do whatever we can to protect our houses of worship in SOMA. While we understand that this is a stressful time, we ask that you please remain calm.
The Maplewood Police Department would like to remind all residents, if they see anything unusual or suspicious, to call (973)762-3400 or 911 in case of emergency.
Acting Police Chief Albert Sally
Detective Lieutenant Michael Palmerezzi
Mayor Dean Dafis
