NSW mulls arming Jewish security group, requesting ADF help to protect Jewish sites
A Jewish security group could be armed if recommended by the NSW royal commission into the alleged Bondi Beach terror attack, the state’s premier has said.
The Community Security Group (CSG) is a volunteer-run organization that provides security for Jewish sites, including synagogues and schools.
He also discusses the Jewish community’s security concerns with the police.
The group reportedly warned NSW Police that the Hanukkah festival targeting Bondi was at high risk, weeks before the attack that killed 15 innocent people and injured dozens more.
CSG reportedly wanted more officers for the event.
The NSW police minister denied receiving the warning.
Premier Chris Minns said on Sunday that arming the CSG was “one of the things we are actively looking at, as well as changes to security protocol for future events in Sydney.”
“This is a step we have not taken in the past,” he told reporters.
“But the truth of the matter is that when it comes to ensuring that the community – in this case the Jewish community – feels safe within their community when community events are held, we need to be able to demonstrate and demonstrate that security is in place to deal with the threat.”
Following CSG’s warning to police, Mr Minns said the royal commission would investigate what happened.
On the evening of the attack, only three police officers were on patrol.
He was also asked about requesting military support to protect Jewish sites and events.
“Our discussions about this are continuing,” he said.
“I’m not ready to get a head start on this, because obviously this is a change for us, but I’m pointing out to everyone – I’m not going to rule anything out.”
Mr Minns added that he had “spoken to thousands of members of the Jewish community” and complained that they “didn’t feel safe”.
“That’s the challenge for us,” he said.
“We cannot have a situation where we build higher walls and the Jewish community is trapped in their homes or synagogues.
“We need to make sure that we provide safety and security for a very important and important part of our community and that nothing is off the table.”
