Police in major cities across the United States are taking extra precautions to protect Jewish citizens as Israel goes to war against Hamas following a surprise attack by the militant group during a period of Jewish holidays over the weekend.
In New York City, which has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, 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.
Around Los Angeles, which also has a sizable Jewish community, authorities 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.
Law enforcement officials in the Miami area 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.”
The Miami-Dade Police Department announced plans for an “increased police presence in areas of religious significance, including mosques and synagogues, as a result of the recent attacks in Israel to ensure the safety of our residents.”
And in Houston, Texas, Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city is “enhancing security around synagogues and other potential venues.”
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