Clarkstown's Operation Omnipresent in effect Friday in response to calls for action from Hamas
The Clarkstown Police Department stepped up security at area cultural and religious institutions on Friday for Operation Omnipresent, following Hamas’s call for action.
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Although officials urge there is no known threat to the Jewish community in the Hudson Valley, local law enforcement was out adding an extra layer of protection as a precaution.
The Clarkstown Police Department stepped up security at area cultural and religious institutions on Friday for Operation Omnipresent, following Hamas’s call for action.
There are said to be about 150 cultural and religious institutions within the town.
"Our No. 1 priority is keeping people safe,” said Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann. “That's what we're doing here in Clarkstown. I’m delighted that the chief and his staff have come up with a great plan."
RELATED: Hudson Valley school districts, synagogues increase security amid Hamas call for protests
That plan includes the police department’s cultural and religious security unit known as "CaReS" being fully activated.
It's a unique unit in Rockland County that started in 2020.
News 12 saw the Clarkstown Police Department and and New York State Police at the Jewish Community Campus of Rockland in West Nyack.
The JCC of Rockland CEO David Kirschtel thanked law enforcement for being there.
"Although times are tough. We have to be resolute and strong to continue serving the community. And again, we're grateful to everybody,” said Kirschtel.
News 12 spoke with a woman at another establishment who did not want to be identified. She said, “It's just really nice to know that we have real, real backing."
Law enforcement agencies remind all residents to say something, if you see something.
