Miami Beach Police and other local police departments across South Florida are ramping up security measures around synagogues following an incident outside a Michigan synagogue that left an armed man dead and a shooting at a university in Virginia.
7News cameras captured a police presence outside the Shul of Bal Harbour synagogue in Surfside and other Jewish places of worship in Miami Beach and Coral Gables.
In the wake of recent incidents nationwide, South Florida’s Jewish community continues to voice safety concerns after weeks of already being on high alert due to the war with that Iran began last month.
“Either they are against the Jewish people, Israel or both. Probably both,” said Yisroel Kenner of the suspect in the Michigan attack.
7News on Friday spoke with congregants at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach. They also weighed in on the recent acts of violence on U.S. soil.
“It’s very sad to see that going on in the United States,” said John Rappaport.
“Unfortunately, this is to be expected in today’s world,” said another congregant.
“There are some people out here who are extremely radical, and they have no idea the damage they are doing to innocent people,” said Randy Forman.
Joshua Sayles, Vice President of External Affairs for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, told 7News the despicable attacks could’ve been so much worse.
“It’s horrific, it’s sickening and we’re so glad that it wasn’t so much worse,” said Sayles.
Sayles added that these attacks serve as a reminder to always remain prepared.
“Just like a sport that you play, practicing and running through scenarios, training for specific situations is critical,” said Sayles.
The Federation’s standard conference room will also be utilized to monitor extremist chatter and potential threats made to the community.
“It should give us advanced warning to make sure our community is safe,” said Sayles.
Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner also provided his thoughts on Thursday’s horrific attack in Michigan.
“It’s appalling, but unfortunately, not shocking,” he said.
Miami Beach Police told 7News their officers are increasing their vigilance around religious institutions.
“Our entire city will see boots on the ground — officers checking synagogues, officers walking residential neighborhoods and just being visible,” said Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess.
Members of the Jewish community said the presence outside their institutions helps them feel secure.
“I actually feel really comfortable with the security here in Miami Beach, particularly at our temple here. They’ve been very proactive,” said Rappaport.
“They are completely accountable, they communicate with the people of the community, they care about everyone here,” said Leon Weinschneider.
“We do appreciate the police force doing their job and understanding what the Jewish people are going through,” said Kenner.
“Largely, I feel very safe in Miami Beach but, I mean, we have to protect our kids, right?” said another congregant.
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation is also operating as the center of a security network linking Jewish institutions across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
“They provide ‘stop the bleed’ trainings, they provide ‘run, hide, fight’ trainings,” said Sayles.
“Providing free equipment, for example metal detectors if it’s a bigger gathering,” said Lior Ofir, the chief operating officer for the Jewish Federation of Broward County.
Bess stressed there is no known threat locally, but the police department’s presence is more important now than ever.
“Our city will have over 400 officers from local, state, and federal agencies in our city remaining vigilant, being proactive,” said Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess. “We’re going to ensure that everyone not only feels safe in our city but are safe.”
Meiner said Miami Beach is taking every precaution to protect the Jewish community amid a rise in antisemitism.
“I literally see the lies, the gate, the antisemitism on a daily basis, and ultimately, we know it’s going to lead to violence. It has to stop,” he said.
Bess also had a message to concerned residents.
“To our Jewish community, they will see and feel the presence because we are encouraging our officers to not only remain visible inside their cars, on the walking beat, but also engage with the Jewish community, other residents to make sure they feel comfortable in our city,” he said.
In a statement, Audra Berg, the President and CEO of Jewish Federation of Broward County, said:
“We are closely monitoring the situation at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and praying for everyone’s safety. Our hearts are with the congregants, clergy, staff, and first responders. At moments like this, our community stands together. While details are still developing, we remain in close contact with security partners and continue prioritizing the safety of our Jewish institutions here in Broward County.”
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava had the following statement:
I am deeply saddened by the attack on a synagogue in Detroit. houses of worship must always be places of peace, reflection, and community–never targets of violence. Miami-Dade stands in solidarity with the Jewish community in Detroit and across our nation. antisemitism and hate have no place in our country, and we must continue working together to confront them whenever they appear. Our thoughts are with the congregation, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this act of violence, and we are grateful to the first responders who responded with bravery. May we answer the hate with unity, compassion, and resolve.
Weinschneider said these acts of violence and hate will not change how they live their faith.
“You can’t live that way. You just can’t,” he said.
“We have faith in the Almighty, so He’s protecting us,” said Kenner.
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