Synagogues Across US Increase Security in Wake of Hamas Attacks
Police departments across the United States are beefing up security at Jewish synagogues in the wake of recent Hamas attacks on Israel.
The increased security measures are being taken out of caution, as there have been no specific threats made against synagogues in the United States. However, officials are concerned that the recent attacks in Israel could inspire anti-Semitic violence in the United States.
New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel and Mayor Eric Adams announced on Saturday that efforts were underway to identify “potential threats” and that he was in communication with top New York Police Department officials.
“While there is no credible threat to New York City at this time, our administration is in touch with Jewish leaders across the five boroughs, and we have directed the NYPD to deploy additional resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship citywide to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to make sure everyone feels safe,” Adams added.
Law enforcement in nearby New Jersey “will be increasing patrols in sensitive areas – particularly houses of worship for both the Jewish and Islamic faiths – and taking other steps out of an abundance of caution,” said Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
Authorities in. Los Angeles, which also has a sizable Jewish community, said they were ramping up their presence around synagogues and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as in Muslim communities.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of the turmoil in the Middle East and lives lost. In those areas where we serve both our Jewish and Muslim communities, we will be conducting extra patrol to ensure the safety of all,” Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore added in a statement.
And in the Miami area, authorities shared plans to increase the visibility of police officers in the facilities of Jewish and Muslim institutions.
“The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority, especially during difficult times. In light of recent events in Israel, the Miami Beach Police Department has augmented police visibility near all synagogues and other strategic locations in our city,” Miami Beach Police said in a statement. “This is a proactive measure to ensure the safety and security of everyone.”
Security heightened at NYC synagogues, Jewish sites in wake of Hamas attack on Israel https://t.co/70HQ8qTKvr pic.twitter.com/06QV2zjfyf
— New York Post (@nypost) October 8, 2023