In anticipation of the forthcoming High Holiday season, enhanced law enforcement protection is forthcoming for Jewish places of worship. Given the recent attack on Israel by Iran and persistent antisemitism, police units throughout the United States are erring on the side of caution by augmenting their presence in such faith-based locations. The Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah, is set to commence with the fall of dusk on Wednesday. With this in mind, New York City’s law enforcement has ramped up patrols around Jewish sites of worship and this will carry on until Yom Kippur, which spans the next fortnight.
Along with the state police, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) will conduct sweeps designed to detect explosives at key transit points such as bridges and tunnels. Mayor Eric Adams ascertains the city’s security: ‘We have the situation under control. The city remains vigilant.’.
Besides the recent Iranian hostilities towards Israel, the city’s high-alert status is further intensified by the impending anniversary of the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. ‘These factors contribute significantly to the considerable rise in security concerns,’ commented Rebecca Weiner, the Deputy Commissioner of the NYPD. While drawing attention to the elevated threat, she reiterates that there are currently no verified threats.
Meanwhile, in Southern California, the leadership of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has convened with, and offered reassurances to, Jewish community leaders in a recent security town hall. They have discussed strategies to boost police visibility during the holiday season, a response to last year’s escalating tensions in the Middle East.
This has compelled the LAPD to ramp up its patrolling efforts not only around Jewish but also Muslim spaces of worship. ‘Our law enforcement professionals will ensure a tactical presence at crucial sites,’ a representative asserted.
Chicago’s police department has likewise made plans to bolster police patrolling in sync with the timing of these ceremonial events. The department conveyed in a public statement: ‘Despite not having actionable intelligence as of now, we are taking the step of boosting police visibility to ensure the city’s religious communities are secure and feel as such.’
The Miami Beach Police Department, serving an area with a high Jewish population density, has also ‘elevated our visible uniformed presence throughout the city to uphold public safety.’ This step is reaffirming the commitment to maintain peace and safety of communities during this important time.