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Escalating Tensions: Unmasking the Conflict Between Hamas and Israe
After the Hamas attacks on Israel this Saturday, Jewish communities across the country are increasing their security in response to rising anti-Semitic sentiments. Ivan Bernstein, CEO and National Director of Community Security Service, told ABC News, “We’re sending email after email; it’s reached nearly 50 locations.”
Bernstein noted that following the events of this weekend, the number of anti-Semitic sentiments is expected to grow. Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel by sea, air, and land on Saturday. Israeli authorities reported rocket strikes, close-range shootings of civilians, and the abduction of hostages to Gaza. There are also reports of Hamas committing sexual assault against women and killing children in front of their parents, making Saturday one of the deadliest days for Jews.
Community Security Service, according to its website, is a leading Jewish volunteer organization in the United States with a mission to “protect Jewish life and Jewish way of life.”
According to the FBI’s 2021 hate crime statistics, only 2.4% of the U.S. population faces over 50% of religiously motivated hate crimes, which predominantly target Jewish people.
In response to the Saturday attacks, Jewish communities and synagogues are increasing their security. “To increase security and create a strong posture, we have over 3,000 active volunteers who shift security at their places of worship while collaborating with law enforcement and off-duty police.,” said Bernstein.
Currently, investigations are underway regarding two incidents that occurred during the night. At around 6 AM, an employee of Temple Beth Israel discovered that the entrance door had been damaged. Another incident occurred around 8:30 AM when Fresno Police Department Chief Paco Balder rama stated that an employee found two broken windows at Noah’s Ark Restaurant and Bakery, along with a threatening message aimed at Jewish-owned businesses.
In New York, an image circulated on social media depicting a protester waving a swastika flag during a demonstration.
“In the coming weeks, I think it is permitting people to express their anti-Jewish bigotry and hatred, and it’s really amplifying a lot of things online, and people who were on the fringes are now reading these things. People are just going fishing,” Bernstein said.
Rabbi Sholom Lipskar of Shul of Bal Harbour has taken precautions for his congregation’s safety.He began by saying, “We have additional security staff, and our own security team is quite watchful. We have a perimeter that goes around all the time. Everyone is on high alert.”
Lipskar mentioned that there are numerous cameras at the Shul, and they do everything possible to “stay vigilant and not be complacent.”
He also mentioned that the police chief of Bal Harbour, the village where the Shul is located, has sent notices saying that they have increased security.Jewish people have had problems similar to these in the past; our history is replete with obstacles or trying circumstances, according to Lipskar. Yet, we are resilient. We are here with determination, and we are proud to be fulfilling our mission.”
LiveSecure is an initiative that supports Jewish community security throughout the United States, ensuring that every community feels safe, so people can enjoy Jewish life and participate in it fully.
Julie Platt, Board Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America, said, “We want to make sure that every community throughout North America feels secure, so people can enjoy Jewish life and be part of it.”
This initiative was launched by North American Jewish Federations after the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. It provides guidance to communities, appoints security directors, identifies threats, and works to ensure high-quality security within Jewish communities.
We have always been the type of folks that have to pass through security guards in order to enter the synagogue, according to Platt. Local organizations, synagogues, day schools, they all double down on security so that everyone can feel safe when entering and participating in Jewish life.”
According to a recent assessment by the Counter terrorism and Intelligence Bureau (CTIB) of the Anti-Defamation League, extremist groups seeking to exploit tensions between Hamas and Israel “may engage in incitement and exploit extremist actors in the West, necessitating increased vigilance by law enforcement authorities, private sector security personnel, and community partners.”
The safety and security of Jewish communities are of paramount importance in these challenging times. Lipskar mentioned that there are numerous cameras at the Shul, and they do everything possible to “stay vigilant and not be complacent.”
He also mentioned that the police chief of Bal Harbour, the village where the Shul is located, has sent notices saying that they have increased security. Lipskar said, “Jewish people have faced challenges like this before; our history is filled with challenges or difficult situations. Yet, we are resilient. We are here with determination, and we are proud to be fulfilling our mission.”
LiveSecure is an initiative that supports Jewish community security throughout the United States, ensuring that every community feels safe, so people can enjoy Jewish life and participate in it fully.
Julie Platt, Board Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America, said, “We want to make sure that every community throughout North America feels secure, so people can enjoy Jewish life and be part of it.”
This initiative was launched by North American Jewish Federations after the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. It provides guidance to communities, appoints security directors, identifies threats, and works to ensure high-quality security within Jewish communities.
Platt noted, “We have always been the kind of people who had to go through security guards to enter the synagogue. Local organizations, synagogues, day schools, they all double down on security so that everyone can feel safe when entering and participating in Jewish life.”
According to a recent assessment by the Counter terrorism and Intelligence Bureau (CTIB) of the Anti-Defamation League, extremist groups seeking to exploit tensions between Hamas and Israel “may engage in incitement and exploit extremist actors in the West, necessitating increased vigilance by law enforcement authorities, private sector security personnel, and community partners.”
The safety and security of Jewish communities are of paramount importance in these challenging times.