Orthodox Jewish community seeks solutions to violence
Members of Michigan’s Orthodox Jewish community are working to organize a Neighborhood Watch group in the wake of three assaults against Orthodox men walking alone late at night.
Police say two men, thought to be in their late teens or early 20s, committed the attacks in recent weeks. Some people in the community contend the attacks were hate crimes while others say they were just as likely crimes of opportunity, since the victims were walking alone in the dark, the Detroit Free Press reported Thursday.
The acts of violence also have city officials considering increased security in the area. Oak Park Mayor Gerald Naftaly is looking into putting emergency phones or surveillance cameras near two public parks.
According to traditional Jewish law, driving is forbidden on the Jewish Sabbath, as well as select holidays, which is why Orthodox residents can be seen walking along busy stretches of the city, often to and from synagogue services.
source: mlive.com
