US law enforcement agencies have boosted security measures to safeguard Jewish and Muslim communities ahead of global pro-Palestinian protests expected on Friday but suggested members of the public to go about their daily routines.
Police in the two most dense US cities – New York and Los Angeles – said they would escalate patrols, particularly near synagogues and Jewish community centers, though authorities urged they were clueless of any specific, or credible threats.
Kathy Hochul, New York Governor, said at a news briefing on Thursday, “There’s no reason to feel afraid. No one should feel they have to alter their normal lives.”
Eric Adams, New York City Mayor, said that his office had directed the city police to “surge additional resources to schools and houses of worship to ensure they are safe and that our city remains a place of peace.”
Extra police patrols were being deployed in Jewish and Muslim communities alike, Adams said.
Intensified US security concerns, especially over a potential flare-up of antisemitic and Islamophobic violence, were prompted by the recent wave of bloodshed after Hamas attacked the Gaza Strip on Saturday through parts of southern Israel in the deadliest Palestinian attack in Israel’s history.
More than 1,300 Israelis were killed and scores were taken captive.
Khaled Meshaal, Former Hamas chief, called for protests across the Muslim world on Friday in support of Palestinians, a message boosted on social media by calls for a day of resistance on behalf of the people of Gaza.
New York City officials said they were bracing for at least one main demonstration planned for Times Square on Friday.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell told reporters, “Every member of the New York Police Department will be ready and be in uniform tomorrow. We will not tolerate any hate, any acts of disorder, it will be quelled quickly and we will be ready.”
