Following Iran’s attack on Israel on Tuesday, police departments across the United States have increased efforts to protect Jewish communities and their places of worship.
The attacks come as Thursday marks the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the new year in Judaism. With anti-Semitic attacks already reaching record highs in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, law enforcement is making sure they are ready for any potential risks during the high holiday season.
The report of increased police efforts comes from CNN, citing officials in some of the country’s largest cities.
Police in Los Angeles recently held a security town hall with Jewish community leaders throughout Southern California. During the meeting, the groups discussed extra patrols during religious holidays, increased presence at Jewish and Muslim places of worship, and more as tension in the Middle East rises, CNN reported.
The increased efforts from the LAPD include more officers on the beat, along with more command post vehicles, and horse-mounted units making the rounds.
The New York Police Department told the media that it was increasing patrols for the next two weeks. It is also partnering with the New York State Police for explosive detection missions at bridges and tunnels. Helicopters are expected to be used for radiation detection.
In Chicago, police are planning on giving “special attention to houses of worship.”
“While there is no actionable intelligence at this time, we will have an increased police presence to ensure the city’s faith communities are not only safe but feel safe,” the Chicago Police Department said in a statement.
Similar sentiments were shared by the police departments in Miami and Philadelphia.
Earlier this year, a report from the Anti-Defamation League found that following the Oct. 7 attack, anti-Semitic attacks rose by 360%.
This increase was sparked by 3,300 anti-Semitic instances in the final three months of 2023. These incidents included 1,347 examples of verbal or written harassment, 1,307 rallies on college campuses that involved anti-Semitic rhetoric, 554 acts of vandalism, and 56 physical assaults.
Oren Segal, the Vice President of the Center on Extremism at the Anti-Defamation League, shared that with the holiday season arriving, precautions are being advised.
“What we have previously told Jewish institutions is that at this time, there is no known credible threat to the Jewish Community in the U.S.,” Segal told CNN, noting places of worship should remain open. “However, given the heightened tensions and increased risk to the community at this time, we recommend institutions review and implement a series of security precautions and procedures.”