Boston Marathon repercussions: Security always tight at 5T5K race

The bombings at this past Sunday’s Boston Marathon sent repercussions through the Jewish community, bringing up memories of terrorist attacks in Israel and New York, wreaking horror and devastation in what were once peaceful places and times.

“We should understand that event as we witness in Boston, are usually a product of incitement leading to terrorism. Time will tell when we get the perpetrators,” stated Eli Hertz, president and author of “Myths and Facts.” He defined incitement as “a direct or indirect repetitive hateful call via any available means, including print, audio, video, public or controlled media, displays or act to deliberately inflict physical or mental damage to a third party non-combatants individuals and groups.” He further defined terrorism as a “violent act perpetrated by individual/s or entities for the purpose of deliberately harming or cause to harm (physically or psychologically), [to] innocent individuals, groups or humanity. Terror acts may [be] perpetrate[d] by ‘individual practitioners,’ or organized entities, starting with incitement, promotion of hate and ending with bodily and/or mental harm.”

“It is a tragic reminder of the importance of concerted and uncompromising efforts against all manifestations of terrorism and that no place has immunity,” noted Malcolm Honlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. “Not only those who carry out such attacks but also those who aid and abet them, incite or encourage such acts must be held to account. This was an act of terror regardless of whether it involved foreign elements. Such acts are called terror because they seek to spread fear, to coerce, intimidate, and we have to show resolve, determination to fight them. Often we are told that it was a lone actor and then we find out that they were indoctrinated in prison, by a cleric, during a visit to another country.”

At the end of the Young Israel of Woodmere’s gathering for Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut (Israel’s Memorial Day and Independence Day), the participants recited a perek of Tehilim (psalm) for those injured in the blast. The national Council of Young Isreal released a statement: “The National Council of Young Israel joins with the entire nation as we share our grief and concern with the people of Boston in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy. This senseless act of violence is an unfortunate reminder of the vigilance that must always endure despite the freedoms that we are privileged to enjoy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones in this heinous attack and with all those who sustained injuries as a result of the bombings. We also commend the heroic first responders who immediately sprang into action and cared for the wounded, comforted the grief-stricken, and helped maintain a sense of calm in the midst of complete chaos. We may have been the target of a deadly attack, but we are confident that our law enforcement officials will apprehend the perpetrators of the bombings and bring them to justice. In the face of great adversity and trying times, the American spirit will prevail and our democratic values will persevere.”

The Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans Five Towns 5K race will be held at North Woodmere Park on Branch Boulevard in North Woodmere on Sunday, April 21st. “We will take every possible precaution that the Nassau County Police Department can muster,” said Kenneth Lack, Commanding Officer and Inspector at Nassau County Police Department. He did emphasize that there is “no terrorist threat against any institution or event in Nassau County.” He said that the police will survey the route and provide any additional security that is necessary and will implement “some things but won’t publicize them.”

Dr. Isaac Seinuk, the race director, noted the high level of security in every year’s race, and stressed the importance of the charity, raising funds and awareness for Israeli disabled veterans and the Beit Halochem centers in Israel that help the veterans. He also emphasized the feeling of community and fun inherent in such an event. “Every year the Nassau County police and the auxiliary police have come out in force to make the 5Towns 5K a great event and a safe event for all the participants. Last week, before any thing had happened in Boston, they had committed 15 auxiliary police and 5 regular Nassau County police in addition to 8 patrol cars to insure the safety of the 5 Towns 5k. In the past we have had similar numbers, which is a testament to the commitment that our local police have in insuring the safety of our participants and our community in general. Granted, due to the events in Boston, we will be more vigilant, but every year I had, along with the park director, done a complete sweep of the park prior to the run. This will be done again this year. I have confidence in the safety of all the participants, young and old, and this has been reflected in the response from the community as people are not hesitating to sign up. I would say to people who have not yet signed up: Don’t miss out on one of the safest and most fun events in our community that you can do in support of a charity. “

To date, 250 people have registered for the race, said Seinuk. He is expecting an additional 300 participants to join on Sunday. Some participants are looking at the race as a challenge he said “excited about trying to finish first in their age groups.” Others are looking forward to walking the route with their children and grandchildren, he added.

“I participate in many different races: running, open water swimming , and triathlon.,” he reflected. “The feeling of good will to one another that there is among the participants can always be felt. It saddens me that someone or some people should cause harm to that positive feeling by their actions in Boston. “

For more information go to www.5towns5K.org.