NEW YORK (VINnews) — Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Friday urged Jewish institutions nationwide to maintain private security, warning that police “cannot be everywhere.” Adams, who served as both a police officer and mayor, said every synagogue and Jewish school is a potential terrorist target.

“This may frighten some people. Good. I would rather you be frightened than dead,” Adams said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Our police are doing everything they can. But as a former police officer and your former mayor, I can tell you the truth: the police cannot be everywhere.”

This may frighten some people. Good. I would rather you be frightened than dead.

Every Jewish institution is a potential terrorist target. If your school or synagogue does not have security, you are putting your community at risk.

Our police are doing everything they can. But… pic.twitter.com/PCLpQOCZqT

— Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) March 13, 2026

Adams called on Jewish communities in New York and across the country to ensure that schools and synagogues have real security plans in place. He stressed that waiting for a tragedy to prompt action could put communities at risk.

The warning comes amid a string of recent attacks targeting Jewish institutions in the U.S., including incidents in Michigan and Pennsylvania. While law enforcement has responded quickly to threats, officials have repeatedly emphasized that private security remains a critical line of defense.

Jewish leaders have acknowledged concerns about safety and said many institutions have been reviewing security protocols and working with local police. Adams’ remarks highlight ongoing fears over targeted attacks and the importance of proactive safety measures.