Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on March 9, 2017

Pensacola synagogue beefs up security following attacks

Attacks on Jewish landmarks and places of worship across the country have had an impact on a local level.

"With the recent threats going on we just want to kind of be sure that our congregation is safe," Benjamin Nettles, president of the B'Nai Israel Synagogue said.

Nettles said they have not had any issues with threats or vandalism at their building on 9th Avenue, but feel it is necessary to beef up security. They have installed more lighting outside, as well as an alarm system and put extra locks on doors.

"When anyone is here like the sisterhood cooking Hamantaschen for Purim, we make sure they keep the doors locked," Nettles said.

Jewish cemeteries have been desecrated in places like Philadelphia. On Tuesday, Jewish schools and community centers received dozens of bomb threats all over the country.

"I think it's sad, it's really sad that this is happening," said Kate Lollar, a member of the B'Nai Israel Sisterhood. "It's 2017, why is there anti-Semitism?"

She blames the president's administration. She said they made it OK to hate and blame others. She said attacks on Jews is not a new issue, but feels it certainly has been revived.

"The one thing that I would love for everybody in the world to know is that Jewish people are not bad," Lollar said. "We just want to get along with everybody else."

She said Pensacola has been good to her. She said that when she celebrates Purim this weekend she expects nothing but a great time.

"I have no fear of being Jewish in Pensacola, Florida," Lollar said.

Nettles agreed and adds that he had never experienced an attack on his faith in this community. He wants others around the country to be able to say the same.

"I feel like we should be able to come in and worship whichever way we want and we should feel safe in doing that, especially in this country," Nettles said.

On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that President Donald Trump condemns the attacks "in the strongest terms."

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Pensacola synagogue beefs up security following attacks - WEAR

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