Washington, DC -- “Two years ago a group of terrorists shocked the Riverdale community and the country with their attempt to bomb two Synagogues in Riverdale and one in Rockland, as well as plotting to shoot down military aircraft at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh. What is equally shocking is that those responsible for this horrific plot would receive anything less than life sentences.

            “The targets of the plot, the Riverdale Jewish Center, Riverdale Temple, and the JCC-Y of Rockland County, are cornerstones of their communities and host hundreds of my constituents every day.  Had it not been for the tireless work of the FBI and the New York Police Department, countless numbers of my friends in Riverdale and Rockland could have perished.

            “However, for this terrible and prejudiced plot, three of the four men responsible were each sentenced to only 25 years in prison. Although I am pleased these criminals will remain behind bars, this is one case where the punishment does not fit the crime.

            “We were lucky in May 2009 when these terrorists were caught before they could go through with their plan, but the fact that such attacks could happen in residential areas like Riverdale and Rockland shows that no neighborhood is safe from fanaticism. I will continue in my efforts to increase funding for security measures for religious groups and other non-profit organizations that could be potential targets for homegrown terrorism.”

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