Nassau increases security for High Holy Days

Nassau County officials announced Friday that there will be intensified security at Jewish houses of worship for the High Holy Days that begin Sunday night.

"As Jews throughout Nassau County gather . . . to celebrate their New Year, we will be doing all that we can to make sure they're safe -- either while walking to synagogue or while gathering in celebration," Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said yesterday at a news conference at Temple Bnai Sholom in Rockville Centre.

Rosh Hashanah, which begins Sunday night, is the two-day Jewish New Year celebration and Yom Kippur, which begins the night of Sept. 25, is observed as the Day of Atonement. They are deemed the holiest Jewish religious days.

Mangano and Nassau Police Commissioner Thomas Dale stressed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority police mantra, "If you see something, say something," in urging residents to report suspicious bags or parcels. Residents can call 911 or, for less urgent suspicions, the Nassau police tip line at 516-573-7720.

"Residents, and congregants who attend temples or synagogues in Nassau know best who or what doesn't belong around their particular house of worship," Mangano said. "We need all of you to be the eyes and ears for the police department."

Dale said the intensified patrols will include uniformed and plain clothes officers who will "park, walk and talk" around the houses of worship.

Suffolk police officials said they will have increased patrols for the High Holy Days as they do every year.

Dale said police intelligence officials will use information gathered from various crimes over the last five years to help determine where criminal activity could occur, and will take assign resources accordingly.