Hundreds of Surveillance Cameras Going Up in This Jewish Neighborhood

More than 300 surveillance cameras will cover a primarily Hasidic Jewish neighborhood very soon, because "the neighborhood gets terrorists threats all the time," according to a NYC Assemblyman.

The installation of 320 cameras in Borough Park, Midwood and Flatbush is under way, according to CBS New York. Four cameras will be installed in 80 units, as part of the the Leiby Kletzky Security Initiative - named for the 8-year-old boy who was kidnapped and murdered in the Kensington section of Borough Park after getting lost while walking home from a school day camp.

Secure Watch 24 is the lead company on the camera installation project. Each housing will have four cameras recording at different angles (Image via Secure Watch).

“This is in memory of Leiby Kletzky, the young boy who went missing and the only way it was discovered was through a private video camera - it was a huge turning point in terms of the case” Hikind told TheBlaze. "When I realized this, I decided I was going to do everything I can to get more cameras to protect our neighborhoods."

"But it's much more than just Leiby Kletzky, this neighborhood gets terrorists threats all the time and the police are notified constantly that the Jewish community is being watched - look, those who hate America hate Jews in particular," said Hikind.

"500,00 people live where these cameras will be watching and these are the most sophisticated cameras on the market - this is unprecedented beyond Manhattan, and if we avoid one tragedy it's worth it," he said.

The cameras were purchased using a $1 million state grant, and are being installed by private contractor SecureWatch24. Assemblyman Dov Hikind, D-Brooklyn, who pushed for the cameras, said the NYPD will exclusively monitor the footage.

Assemblyman Hikind said "I think people have an expectation when you're walking in the street that you may be recorded." (Image via Dov Hikind).

Hikind told TheBlaze "it just makes sense" to monitor areas where "major schools, major temples and major thoroughfares" are located.

CBS New York reported the installation of the cameras has drawn some criticism because they are being placed in a section of Brooklyn known for its low crime and large Hasidic Jewish population. But Hikind brushed off the privacy concerns.

“We’re talking about public streets, people walking in streets,” he said. “And I think people have an expectation when you’re walking in the street that you may be recorded; someone may take a picture. But we’re only interested in the bad guys. We’re only interested in those who commit crimes.”

"It’s a good thing for everybody," Hikind said. "It’s going to give the community much-needed additional security and it will send a message to the bad guys: If you do anything in our community, you’ll be on camera, and we’ll be able to get you,” Hikind said.

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