For the first time ever, an armed guard will be stationed outside each synagogue in Jerusalem, as part of preparations for the upcoming High Holy Days and amid concerns over recent terrorist attacks.
According to reports in Israeli media, there have been 19 terrorist attacks in Jerusalem since the beginning of the year, with 31 other incidents successfully thwarted. Just before the month of Tishrei holidays, the police announced on Wednesday that they have completed preparations in the capital for the upcoming major events.
Thousands of police officers will be deployed at crowded locations and holy sites. According to the district commander, for the first time, armed personnel will be stationed at predetermined locations in every synagogue in the city, following thorough briefings.
As opposed to Jewish houses of prayer in Europe or in the US, Israeli synagogues don’t usually have armed security guards on a day-to-day basis.
As part of the police's efforts, checkpoints and crowd control measures will be put in place.
The aim is to manage the expected crowds at the Western Wall plaza, taking into account the crowd size and maximum capacity. Additionally, security will be provided for pilgrims visiting holy sites during the events of forgiveness, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.
"Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are significant holidays, and even though there are no simultaneous Muslim events, it remains a challenge," emphasized Superintendent Doron Turgeman, the commander of the Jerusalem District according to a report on N12. "We must maintain a high level of preparedness. Those who come to Jerusalem trust us to ensure their safety. The freedom to worship during Jewish holidays and Arab prayer times is of utmost importance."
A gun in every synagogue: Jerusalem cops gear up for holiday tensions
Police are stepping up efforts to keep Israelis and tourists safe over the upcoming Jewish holidays, including the unprecedented move of ensuring there is someone armed in every synagogue in Jerusalem, a top police official said Wednesday.
The armed individual in each synagogue — a police officer, a volunteer police officer, or a citizen with a gun license — will be specified ahead of the holidays and will receive a briefing to prepare them for the task.
Jerusalem police chief Doron Turgeman indicated forces are also focusing on the tinderbox Temple Mount in the Old City, which normally sees a large uptick in Jewish visitors over holidays, contributing to tensions.
“There will be dynamic public access to allow Muslims and Jews to ascend the Temple Mount without harming each other,” Turgeman told a press briefing.
The Temple Mount enclosure is the holiest place in Judaism and the third holiest to Muslims. The issue is of particular significance this year with a governing coalition in power that includes politicians openly campaigning for increased Jewish access to the holy site, a stance that may enflame Muslim anger.
Eight people were removed from the site on Tuesday and police were taking preventive measures regarding 110 individuals to reduce friction ahead of the holiday period, Turgeman added.
“There’s been an increase in warnings and actionable threats — of all types — during the Selichot period, weekdays and holidays,” Turgeman said, referring to penitential prayers ahead of Yom Kippur.
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