Some 200 people gathered at Congregation Sons of Israel in Lakewood, N.J., on Tuesday night not to pray, but to learn about new security technologies and hear from law-enforcement experts and others about how to stay safe. The security summit took place as anti-Semitic incidents and vandalism continue to be reported in Ocean County, N.J., particularly in the towns of Lakewood and Jackson. According to the ADL, Ocean County recorded 21 anti-Semitic incidents in 2018—a number that experts believe is low because of the underreporting of incidents. Presenters at the event included Lakewood Police Chief Greg Meyer and Michael Geraghty, New Jersey’s chief information security officer, who spoke on protecting businesses and institutions digitally from ransomware, malware and cybercrimes.

The Jewish Orthodox Chamber of Commerce hosts a New Jersey Homeland Security and Preparedness summit at Congregation Sons of Israel. Doug Hood, Asbury Park Press

Just over two months after the tragic Jersey City massacre, the “who’s who” of top law enforcement officials at the state, county and local level came to Lakewood to collaborate on enhancing security at the governmental and grassroots levels. Governor Phil Murphy was closely involved in coordinating this summit with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. Deborah Cornavaca, Deputy Chief of Staff of Outreach, represented the Governor at the event and spoke of the chief executive’s special affinity for the Jewish community. “It would crush my soul to know that Jewish communities in New Jersey don’t feel safe,” Deborah explained, then added, “When you have advocates like Duvi (Honig) in Trenton, you’re in good hands.”