NYPD Urges Yeshivas, Shuls to Remain Open Friday

Inspector Richie Taylor, Commanding Officer of NYPD Community Affairs Outreach has released the following statement regarding those who call for a day of hate for Friday:

The NYPD urges all Yeshivas, Shuls and community members to go about their regular daily business on Friday, October 13, 2023.

This includes keeping Shuls and Yeshivas open.

There are no credible threats to the Jewish community or to any community in New York City.

Out of an abundance of caution, you will see an increase in police presence at Yeshivas, Houses of Worship, and other sensitive locations. As always, community members are urged to remain vigilant and if any suspicious activity is observed, to call 911 or the NYPD Counterterrorism Tip Line at 888-NYC-SAFE.

The NYPD Intelligence & Counterterrorism Bureau has issued an alert about the online posting calling for ‘Day of Action:’

The NYPD Intelligence & Counterterrorism Bureau is aware of extensive and widespread online postings featuring former Hamas leader Khaled Meshal calling for a day of action for Palestine on Friday, 13 October.

These latest statements-made during a recent interview with Hamas’ Aqsa TV outlet, not as an official Hamas propaganda release-are not indicative of any specific or credible threats of violence to New York City or the broader US Homeland.

However, these latest statements have the potential to resonate and spark reactions and exploitative violence, warranting elevated vigilance on the part of law enforcement personnel. The NYPD has planned enhanced protective deployments out of an abundance of caution at large gatherings, cultural sites, and houses of worship among other locations to ensure public safety and security.