Long Islanders on alert after fatal anti-Semitic attack in Germany

The news of an attack outside of a German synagogue on Yom Kippur reverberated on Long Island.

News 12 Staff

Oct 9, 2019, 11:08 PM

Updated 1,666 days ago

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The news of an attack outside of a German synagogue on Yom Kippur reverberated on Long Island.

A heavily armed perpetrator tried to force his way in to a synagogue in eastern Germany Wednesday.

The suspect shot at the door of the synagogue as dozens of people observed the holy day. Authorities say the suspect didn't get inside, but he did fatally shoot two people nearby.

The suspect's rants about Jews during the attack were broadcast on the video platform Twitch. Germany's top security official says they must assume it was an anti-Semitic attack.

The Wednesday shooting follows attacks over the last year at synagogues around the U.S., as well as several incidents of anti-Semitic vandalism on the Island.

Both Nassau and Suffolk police departments say they had already increased patrols around synagogues and other religious institutions ahead of Yom Kippur.

Suffolk County police say, "While there is currently no credible threat to the residents of Suffolk County, the department will continue to work with its partners in law enforcement. The public should remain alert and aware."

Several synagogues have even hired private security to help keep worshipers safe.

Some observers in Plainview told News 12 their hope for the world is of peace, and that they will not be deterred by hate.

Police remind residents to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.


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