DETROIT (WWJ) - Local and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to coordinate heightened security for Thursday's menorah lighting ceremony, the first night of Hanukkah, which kicks off in Campus Martius.
The measures come as fighting between Israel and Hamas intensified after the militant group, identified by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization, launched an unprecedented incursion on Oct. 7, killing over 1,000 people in southern Israel.
In retaliation, Israel launched attacks on the densely populated Gaza Strip, which have killed an estimated 15,900 Palestinians as of Dec. 5, Reuters reported.
The violence is causing shockwaves halfway around the world among Metro Detroiters, which is home to large Palestinian and Jewish communities. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have gathered in recent weeks on college campuses across the state, at malls during Black Friday shopping events and even stopped traffic on major freeways and disrupted holiday events like the Thanksgiving Parade and the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Detroit.
Menorah in the D organizers posted a message to their website stating several agencies are working closely together to keep the menorah lighting ceremony scheduled for Thursday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. in Campus Martius safe and enjoyable for all.
"Menorah in the D has been a part of the Downtown Detroit holiday season for over a decade. It stands as an important symbol and gathering of Jewish pride, resilience, and unity and our commitment to adding light in the face of darkness.
We stand proud as a Jewish community to share the story and message of Chanukah," officials continued. "In light of the current climate for Jewish people globally, we are coordinating with the local and national government and security agencies. They have put their full support behind this event, and we have their commitment and assurance that the event will be a safe celebration for everyone attending."
Darin Szilagy, emergency management specialist for Detroit Homeland Security & Emergency Management, said city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts to tighten up security and identify any potential issues.
"All events are always a concern, but with the world on fire and at war, we're very concerned about Thursday," Szilagy said. "We've gotten good cooperation from everyone. Federal agencies are digging deep looking for potential problems, DPD (Detroit Police Department) has given us a full compliment of officers, and private partnerships have provided us with good equipment, like fencing and metal detectors."
The Detroit Police Department said in a statement that they will continue to monitor for security threats just as they do for all large events held in the city.
"Officers will be assigned to patrol the area, both in uniform and non-uniform capacities, and the Real Time Crime Center will be actively monitoring the event area to ensure the safety of all who attend," the department added. "At this time, the Department has no information of credible threats about the event."
Menorah in the D organizers said those who wish to peacefully protest will be able to do in a designated place.
"One of the beautiful things about America is people's right to protest peacefully," they wrote. "There will be a designated spot for anyone who chooses to exercise that right. We trust our security team to keep everyone safe and comfortable!"
Attendees are encouraged to take part in all the festivities at Campus Martius in person or, if they choose to stay home, tune in to a live broadcast. RSVP is required to attend.