Red Alert: NYPD, LAPD and Miami Cops Deploy Extra Officers to Jewish Areas and Synagogues

 

America’s biggest police departments have boosted security in their respective Jewish communities, including synagogues, following Hamas militants’ deadly attack on Israel.

The majority of the nation’s 7.5 million Jewish people live in New York, which has a population of 1.9 million, followed by Los Angeles with 617,000 and Miami with 525,000.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced on 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 incorporate areas of significance to both Israeli and Palestinian interests.

The department’s Counterterrorism and Intelligence Division remains vigilant and is operating at a heightened level of alertness in response to the attacks in Israel.

Adams said Saturday’s attack, which has so far left at least 482 people dead and thousands of more injures, ‘is nothing more than a cowardly action.’

‘Today’s attack, coming at the end of what is supposed to be a celebratory time at the end of the Jewish High Holy days, is nothing more than a cowardly action by a terrorist organization seeking to undo that peace and divide us into factions. That won’t happen,’ he said,

‘I am also communicating directly with Police Commissioner Caban and Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Weiner about the situation.

‘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 explained about the extra security,

In California, police increased security and patrols around Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

‘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,’ LAPD Chief Michel Moore wrote online.

‘We are appalled by this act of terrorism by Hamas against the citizens and civilian communities in Israel,’ Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold said.

‘We call on President Biden and Congress to act swiftly in support of Israel. Additionally, we hope all peace-loving nations of the world and the United Nations, will condemn this senseless violence. Our hearts are with the people of Israel as we stand together and support Israel defending itself and condemn this heinous act.’

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department ‘is aware of the situation in the Middle East,’ the agency said in a statement.

‘We would like to ensure all residents, we are monitoring, remaining vigilant, and conducting extra patrol checks in our areas. We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to monitor the situation.’

A watch commander at the Santa Monica Police Department said: ‘There have been periodic checks that we have directed to 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 and security of everyone.’

Miami is the country’s third biggest Jewish population center 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 service 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 we are adjusting flight schedules as required,’ United said in a statement.

Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented surprise early morning attack during a major Jewish holiday Saturday, killing dozens and stunning the country.

Israel said it is now at war with Hamas and launched airstrikes in Gaza, vowing to inflict an ‘unprecedented price.’

‘We are at war,’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address, declaring a mass army mobilization. ‘Not an ‘operation,’ not a ’round,’ but at war.’

President Joe Biden delivered remarks from the White House on Saturday expressing U.S. support for Israel in light of Hamas’ attack.

‘We will not ever fail to have their back,’ Biden said. ‘Israel has the right to defend itself and his people full stop. There is never a justification for terrorist attacks and my administration’s support for Israel security is rock solid and unwavering. Let me say this as clearly as I can. This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. The world is watching,’ Biden said.

https://www.cf.org/news/red-alert-nypd-lapd-and-miami-cops-deploy-extra-officers-to-jewish-areas-and-synagogues/