America’s largest police departments have increased security in their respective Jewish communities, including synagogues, following the deadly attack on Israel by Hamas militants.
The majority of the country’s 7.5 million Jews live in New York with 1.9 million residents, followed by Los Angeles with 617,000, Miami with 525,000 and Chicago with 315,000.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Saturday that the NYPD would deploy additional resources to protect Jewish communities and houses of worship.
The NYPD is also adjusting its patrol routes to include areas important to both Israeli and Palestinian interests.
The Ministry’s Counterterrorism and Intelligence Division remains vigilant and responds to the attacks in Israel with heightened alert.
America’s largest police departments have increased security in their respective Jewish communities, including synagogues, following the deadly attack on Israel by Hamas militants
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Saturday that he has directed the NYPD to dedicate additional resources to ensure the safety of Jewish communities (file photo).
Patrols have also been increased in front of synagogues in Los Angeles. Pictured is the Etz Jacob Community in LA (file photo)
Adams said Saturday’s attack, which has so far killed at least 482 people and injured thousands more, was “nothing more than a cowardly act.”
“Today’s attack, which comes at the end of what is supposed to be a solemn period at the end of the Jewish High Holidays, is nothing more than a cowardly act by a terrorist organization that wants to destroy this peace and divide us into factions.” “That will not happen,” said he.
“I am also communicating directly with Police Commissioner Caban and Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism Weiner about the situation.”
“While there is no current credible threat to New York City, our administration is in contact with Jewish leaders in the five boroughs, and we have directed the NYPD to provide additional resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship across the city to ensure that ours.” “Communities have the resources they need to make sure everyone feels safe,” Adams said, explaining the added security.
In California, police increased security and patrolled around Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of the unrest in the Middle East and the loss of life. “In the areas where we serve both our Jewish and Muslim communities, we will be conducting additional patrols to ensure the safety of everyone,” LAPD Chief Michel Moore wrote online.
“We are appalled by this act of terrorism by Hamas against the citizens and civil communities of Israel,” said Julian Gold, mayor of Beverly Hills.
“We call on President Biden and Congress to act quickly in support of Israel.” Furthermore, we hope that all peace-loving nations of the world and the United Nations condemn this senseless violence. “Our hearts go out to the people of Israel, we stand together and support Israel in self-defense and condemn this heinous act.”
Across the country in California, police increased security and patrolled around Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
In Florida, Miami Beach police said they were increasing police visibility “near all synagogues and strategic locations in our city … to ensure the safety of everyone.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department “is aware of the situation in the Middle East,” the agency said in a statement.
“We want to ensure that all residents monitor our areas, remain vigilant and conduct additional patrol checks.” “We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to monitor the situation.”
A Santa Monica Police Department watch commander said, “We have been doing regular checks on our extra cars. ‘I sent one out when I saw the news.’
In Florida, Miami Beach police said they were increasing police visibility “near all synagogues and strategic locations in our city … to ensure the safety of everyone.”
Miami is the third largest Jewish population center in the country, home to 525,000 Jews.
Several U.S.-based airlines have canceled flights in light of the attack.
United Airlines, American and Delta have suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv following the unrest.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority.” “We are closely monitoring the situation and adjusting flight schedules as necessary,” United said in a statement.
MAGEN Chicago members are part of a local safety group. They are pictured at an event earlier this week
An Orthodox Jew walks past a Crown Heights Shmira Patrol security vehicle in Brooklyn. Although the unit looks like it is part of the NYPD, it is actually a local security patrol group
NYPD counterterrorism officers, far left, are seen in front of Temple Emanu-El in New York (file)
In an unprecedented early morning surprise attack during a major Jewish holiday on Saturday, Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip, killing dozens of people and stunning the country.
Israel said it was currently at war with Hamas and was launching airstrikes in Gaza, vowing to pay an “unprecedented price.”
“We are at war,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address and announced a mass mobilization of the army. “Not an ‘operation’, not a ’round’, but in war.”
President Joe Biden gave a speech at the White House on Saturday expressing U.S. support for Israel in light of the Hamas attack.
“We will never fail to have their backs,” Biden said. “Israel has the right to defend itself and its people with all its might.” There is never any justification for terrorist attacks and my government’s support for Israel’s security is rock-solid and unwavering. Let me say this as clearly as possible. This is not the time for an anti-Israel party to exploit these attacks to gain an advantage. “The world is watching,” Biden said.