Long Island Jews Feel Less Safe Since Israel-Hamas War: Survey
LONG ISLAND, NY — As the Israel-Hamas conflict has extended past 100 days, anti-Semitism remains a major concern for Long Islanders.
A new survey from the American Jewish Committee finds fear is gripping an overwhelming number of American Jews since the war started on Oct. 7.
“Basically, eight out of 10 Jews in America feel less safe, is a large and alarming number,” Eric Post, Regional Director, AJC Long Island, told Patch.
Find out what's happening in Plainviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Equally as disturbing, Post said, is the altering behavior by people: “where they go, what they post on social media, what they wear, because of fear of anti-Semitism.”
Police, though, have been monitoring for incidents of anti-Semitism and stepped up patrols at synagogues as warranted.
Click Here: South Korea soccer tracksuit
Find out what's happening in Plainviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“There’s a heightened sense of security,” Post said. “Nassau and Suffolk police are on high alert. Perhaps while the fear is very high, it doesn’t necessarily match the reality here, which is that the Jewish community is being protected.”
Rather than being fearful, Post said, people can take control of the situation.
“Many people are continuing to be prideful and not diminish their support for Israel,” he said.
As many as 240 hostages were taken on Oct. 7. Israel believes more than 130 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 107 believed to be alive, CNN reported.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Leave A Comment