Today, the Orthodox Union and its Institute for Public Affairs hosted a meeting between Jerome Hauer, newly confirmed commissioner of New York State’s Division of Homeland Security, and more than 60 leaders of New York’s synagogues and yeshivas. The meeting took place at the Orthodox Union’s headquarters in New York.

Commissioner Hauer pledged to officially appoint a member of his senior staff to work with the Orthodox Union to ensure proper dissemination of security information and funding availability to ensure the Jewish community’s preparedness.

Even in the heart of the New York State budget process, and after only six weeks after being confirmed in office, the Commissioner spent almost two hours taking questions from synagogue and school leaders, demonstrating his unqualified commitment to the community.

The goals of the meeting were to introduce Commissioner Hauer and the Jewish community leaders to one another, and to make the Jewish leaders aware of the resources available to them through the state’s Division of Homeland Security. This was Commissioner Hauer’s first meeting with a large, organized community since assuming office.

At the meeting, Commissioner Hauer explained that it is incumbent upon Jewish institutions and communities to develop basic security measures (to discourage attacks) and response plans (in the tragic event of an attack). Discussion also included potential federal and state resources to aid institutions seeking to improve their security.

After the meeting, Rabbi Steven Burg, the Orthodox Union’s Managing Director, said: “The Orthodox Union is a leader on the federal and state level to help shuls and schools across the country improve security. We are excited to continue leading this effort in New York by forging links between the state and the Jewish community. I want to thank Commissioner Hauer for travelling to Manhattan to meet with our community, and I want to thank the yeshiva and synagogue leaders for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with the Commissioner.”

Michael Cohen, the Orthodox Union’s New York State Director of Political Affairs, said: “This is a very busy time in Albany—especially for a new Commissioner. Commissioner Hauer’s willingness to take the time and meet with the Jewish community signals his dedication to improving our community’s safety and security. Commissioner Hauer and the OU are proud to provide resources that Jewish communities across the state can – and should – draw upon as they seek to guard against potential threats.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)