Statement From Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith Regarding the Attempted Bombing of Riverdale Jewish Center

“Late last night I was informed that the FBI, NYPD and Homeland Security foiled a plot to detonate a bomb at the Riverdale Jewish Center. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation for their extraordinary work in preventing what would have been a devastating attack.
 
Freedom to worship is a fundamental right that should never be put in jeopardy. Any threat to that basic right is a threat to us all and must never be tolerated. Our commitment to ensuring the safety for all houses of worship is absolute.
 
New Yorkers, as well as all Americans, remember the day eight years ago when our resolve to co-exist in a free and tolerant society was tested. But those who challenge our freedom do not understand the true strength of our society. We will never tolerate any activity that threatens our religious freedom. We will never back down when our ideals are tested. And we will never allow the bonds that unite us to be broken by those whose hearts are filled with hatred rather than the love for all humanity that gives us the strength to survive.
 
Know that we will take swift and immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice and use the full force of the law to maintain our freedom and right to worship.”