Red alert: NYPD, LAPD and Miami cops deploy extra officers to Jewish areas and synagogues following Hamas terror attack on Israel
America’s largest police departments have boosted security in their respective Jewish communities, including synagogues, after Hamas militants’ deadly attack on Israel.
The majority of the country’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 Saturday that the NYPD will deploy additional resources to protect Jewish communities and houses of worship.
The NYPD is also adjusting its patrol routes to include 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.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Saturday that he has directed the NYPD to allocate additional resources to ensure the safety of Jewish communities (file photo)
Patrols have also been stepped up outside synagogues in Los Angeles. Pictured is the Etz Jacob congregation in LA (file photo)
Adams said Saturday’s attack, which has so far left at least 482 people dead and thousands more injured, “is nothing more than an act of cowardice.”
“Today’s attack, which comes at the end of what is supposed to be a festive time at the end of the Jewish High Holy days, is nothing more than a cowardly act by a terrorist organization trying to undo that peace make and divide us into factions. It 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 currently no credible threat to New York City, our administration is in contact with Jewish leaders across the five boroughs, and we have directed the NYPD to deploy additional resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship in the city to 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 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 lives lost. In those areas where we serve both our Jewish and Muslim communities, we will conduct extra patrols to ensure the safety of all,’ LAPD Chief Michel Moore wrote online.
“We are appalled by this terrorist act by Hamas against the citizens and civil communities in Israel,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold.
“We call on President Biden and Congress to act quickly in support of Israel. Moreover, we hope that 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 to defend itself 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 and security of all.”
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 that all residents monitor, remain vigilant and carry out 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 at our spare 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 all.”
Miami is the country’s third largest Jewish population center with 525,000 Jews.
Several US airlines have canceled flights in light of the attack.
United Airlines, American and Delta 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 adjusting flight schedules as necessary,” United said in a statement.
Members of MAGEN Chicago are part of a local community safety group. They are photographed 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’s part of the NYPD, it’s actually a local security patrol group
NYPD counterterrorism officers, far left, are seen outside Temple Emanu-El in New York (file)
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 on Saturday, killing dozens and stunning the country.
Israel has said it is now at war with Hamas and has 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 massive army mobilization. “Not an ‘operation’, not a ’round’, but in war.”
President Joe Biden delivered remarks from the White House on Saturday expressing American support for Israel in the face of Hamas’ attack.
“We will never fail to have their backs,” Biden said. ‘Israel has the right to defend itself and its people point. There is never a justification for terrorist attacks and my administration’s support for Israel’s security is steadfast and unwavering. Let me say it 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.