Earlier today at the behest of the NYPD, a meeting took place between more than two dozen shuls and schools from the Far Rockaway/Bayswater area and the NYPD leadership.

The meeting was of course in the aftermath of the horrific tragedy that took place this past Shabbos in Pittsburgh.

The meeting was hosted by Yeshiva Darchei Torah, coordinated by Achiezer and included the presence of the leadership of OHEL, Rockaway/Nassau Hatzalah and the JCCRP who have specifically been working with elected officials to secure more security funding for local mosdos. The meeting was also attended by Senator Joe Addabo, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer and Councilman Donovan Richards.

The Far Rockaway area is home to an unusually high volume of shuls and schools in a rather small area and the community is naturally nervous and scared about further potential attacks. In addition to real time security updates from the police leadership of the Queens Borough as well as the local precincts, there were many relevant questions and answers put on the table with some new ideas – expected to be implemented within 24 hours.

Other ideas regarding security, emergency communication, active shooter scenarios and evacuation plans will be discussed in the coming days.

There will also be a massive community gathering between Rabbonim and Yeshivos in Nassau County which will take place later this evening which will discuss similar topics for all of the mosdos across the Five Towns.

Meeting of the minds, in light of the recent tragic mass shooting in Pittsburgh. It is important to be prepared, we will stay vigilant and committed to the safety of our synagogues in Far Rockaway. #ItsWhatWeDo pic.twitter.com/G1eup1KJP3

— NYPD 101st Precinct (@NYPD101Pct) October 30, 2018

Great Meeting with our Rabbis and elected officials regarding Synagogue safety in Far Rockaway. Thank you to our Public Safety Chair, Council Member @DRichards13, @SenJoeAddabbo and @Stacey23AD. @AchiezerFR_5T #Rabbibender @NYPD101Pct #workingtogether @RockawayNassau pic.twitter.com/kVFXvSvUg8

— NYPD Queens South (@NYPDQueensSouth) October 30, 2018