Increased security at Nassau synagogues

The Nassau County Police Department has ramped up security in Jewish neighborhoods following the deaths of five Israeli tourists in a bus bombing in Bulgaria, police officials said.

The call for additional security was made in response to Wednesday's terrorist bombing, which prompted Jewish communities around the world to go on high alert. Nassau police officials instructed officers at 177 patrol posts throughout the county to visit synagogues and mosques on their posts, Nassau police inspector Kenneth Lack said.

"All Jewish houses of worship will have intensified patrols," Lack said. "The post officers will go there, drive around, get out of the car and actually visit the person in charge -- either the rabbi or the temple president -- just to ask them to be vigilant and report suspicious activity."

There are no specific threats against Jewish institutions, but the action was taken as a precautionary move, Lack said. He added that police had already stepped up patrols for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which began Thursday night.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray said she had written to Nassau Police Commissioner Thomas Dale on Thursday requesting extra patrols around synagogues, shuls, temples, yeshiva schools, Young Israel locations and similar sites, she said.

"I was very pleased that . . . they increased patrol around Jewish institutions around the county," Murray said. "I was particularly concerned about the Five Towns area, which has a large Jewish community . . . Right now, there are no credible threats, but the bottom line is that we have to remain vigilant."

Lawrence Village Mayor Martin Oliner echoed Murray's concerns, adding that about a month ago the Jewish community in the Five Towns held a security conference to address the issue that is "unique" to the community.

"I was concerned about the problems similar to the ones that happened in Bulgaria," Oliner said. "My view is that the Jewish community needs to be as prepared as possible. We in the South Shore are possible primary targets. Given those concerns we need to put together a better communications network."

With Matthew Chayes