Police in Philadelphia say they are increasing patrols at houses of worship across the city after the attack in Michigan on Thursday. Leaders of faith say there have not been any indications of violence at this point but it’s something they’re keeping an eye on as they’re grateful police a re helping out. Jeffrey Lasday is with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and he told NBC10 that he watched the Michigan synagogue attack in horror on March 12. “Everybody should be able to go to their house of worship and it shouldn’t be a place of fear,” he said. For him, it’s personal because Detroit was once home. “Our backyard abutted to Temple Israel’s parking lot. So this is very, very personal. It’s about friends and colleagues who I worked closely with,” he explained. Rabbi Yosef Zarnighian at Congregation Mikveh Israel says security has already been a major focus in recent years but attacks like the one on Thursday serve as a reminder that communities must stay alert. “What we are going to do now moving forward, in light of these events, is to maintain a police presence here on a periodic basis and to increase our general security to ensure not only that our congregants are safe but also that our visitors are safe,” Zarnighian told NBC10. Faith leaders explained that it’s reassuring that police are increasing patrols but it also brings its own challenges. Executive director of CAIR, Ahmet Tekelioglu said that mosques across the region are also taking precautions. “It’s definitely comforting knowing that the local police departments are taking these steps,” Tekelioglu said. “There is always a challenge. How do we keep peaceful, serene, welcoming environment of a house of worship versus over securitizing it?” Faith leaders said they will continue to monitor the situation and will adjust security as communities come together for service this week. ...read more read less