In the aftermath of the recent tragic attack in Israel, tensions have rippled far beyond the Middle East, with communities around the world on high alert. One such community is the Orthodox Jewish population in New York City, and at the forefront of their safety efforts is Shmira Public Safety, a volunteer group that patrols Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan, working closely with the NYPD to ensure the security of Haredi neighborhoods. Levi Leifer, the founder of Shmira, spoke with Shtetl’s Shiffy Leifer (no relation) to shed light on the response to the situation and the concerns of the local community.

Shtetl: When did your team become aware of the escalating situation in Israel?
Levi Leifer: My patrol team alerted me on Friday night that tensions were rising in the region. The NYPD reached out to us too. They were worried that this tragedy could have ripple effects and wanted to ensure the Orthodox citizens knew to be vigilant. We mobilized the team, instructing them to increase their patrol efforts and calling in off-duty personnel. Shmira also deployed unmarked vehicles throughout Haredi neighborhoods around the city, intensifying our presence to provide a sense of security for the community.

Shtetl: This all happened during Shabbat and Simchat Torah, how did that affect the community?
Levi Leifer: Despite the ongoing holiday festivities, the uncertainty surrounding the international situation left people feeling tense and fearful. In response to the mounting concerns, our team became a source of information and reassurance. People came to our patrol team for updates, and we answered their questions honestly.

Shtetl: How do the events in Israel, though, play out in New York?
Levi Leifer: Don't mistake this for something that is happening 6,000 miles away. If we can have swastikas at a protest in Times Square, then we should remember that the enemy is here too.

Schools and synagogues in the city do not currently maintain year-round security measures, but in the wake of recent events, they have begun calling for armed security.

We have taken a proactive approach, providing cameras for schools and shuls and we monitor those remotely.

It was a wake-up call, and I hope they will now have security year-round because every place of worship or school should have security.

‍Shtetl: What other signs have you seen that make you think people are taking this seriously?
Levi Leifer: The heightened state of anxiety in the city is evident through the surge in calls to our hotline, which has increased by an astonishing 110%. These calls range from reports of suspicious individuals taking pictures of synagogues to concerns about a suspicious package. While many of these reports may turn out to be unfounded, Shmira takes every call seriously, recognizing the importance of being proactive.

Shtetl: Has the NYPD taken the threats seriously?
Levi Leifer: The response from the NYPD has been notable in these trying times. They brought in additional forces to support the security measures already in place.

Shtetl: Were there any provocations of Jews in NYC?
Levi Leifer: Yes, we received calls that Jewish children were being chased by teenagers chanting “Free Palestine.” We also received reports of cars driving in Staten Island and announcing “Death to the Jews.”

Shtetl: What should people do to ensure their safety?
Levi Leifer: People should all get security in their homes, shuls, and schools. People should not be heroes and put their lives in danger. When seeing something suspicious; call the authorities who have experience. Don’t try to take matters into your own hands.