Police in several Massachusetts communities are increasing patrols around houses of worship and schools amid increased calls online for attacks on Jewish communities in the United States.
The concern is that someone may want to target temples and synagogues, or local Israeli and Jewish institutions, organizations and businesses. The world is on alert after former Hamas leader, Khaled Mashal, called for Friday to be a global day of anger in support of the recent Hamas attack on Israel, which has killed more than 1,300 Israelis and at least 27 Americans.
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“There’s no coincidence that this day was called for on Friday the 13th,” noted law enforcement and security analyst Todd McGhee, who said he's reminded of the threats post 9/11.
Places of worship, schools and businesses across the country are on heightened alert, including in Bay State cities like Newton, Worcester and Wellesley.
“Hyper vigilance by the community, and the stakeholders connected to those venues -- absolutely a must when we hear threats of this nature,” McGhee said.
State police say at this time, they are aware of no specific of credible threat in Massachusetts related to the attack on Israel or the call for jihad by terrorists. They issued a statement Friday morning saying that they remain vigilant.
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"The former leader of the terrorist group Hamas has called for a 'global day of jihad' — or attacks against non-Islamists — today, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023," the state police statement said. "At this time we are aware of no specific or credible threats in Massachusetts related to the attack on Israel or the call for jihad by terrorists, but as ever, we remain vigilant and will advise our citizens if that changes."
State police said their intelligence center is in constant communication with local, federal and international law enforcement partners regarding potential threats.
The agency also said they are prepared to support communities and educational institutions with protest and civil disorder response, if needed.
In Newton, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said the city's police department is being extra vigilant, "not only with our Jewish and Israeli organizations, which we are blessed to have many, but also at the Newton Public Schools."
Newton police confirmed they are providing extra security measures, and said in conjunction with the mayor's office that city officials "are aware Hamas has designated Friday, Oct. 13., as a 'day of general mobilization,' creating additional fear amongst all of us."
“We’ve been in communications with various religious leaders in the community with area school administrators and various city officials and we’ve been having a procedure plan so that way we can cover the many locations as we can,” said Newton Police Lieutenant Amanda Hendrickson.
Police had already been taking added precautions since Saturday morning and remain in close contact with Jewish and Israeli-affiliated institutions, as well as the Newton Public Schools, the department said Thursday.
The Newton Police Department added it's not aware of any specific threats to the city but they are reminding residents to practice good situational awareness, alerting authorities if they see anything.
In Worcester, police said they had no evidence of any specific, local threats but confirmed they are increasing patrols in response to the global online threats of terrorism.
Worcester police said they are coordinating with community leaders, and state and federal partners. Anyone with information about potential threats is asked to contact them.
"There will be no tolerance for any form of threats or intimidation," police said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In Wellesley, the district's superintendent, Dr. David Lussier, sent a message to the school community acknowledging that it's been a difficult week following the tragic events that are continuing to unfold in Israel and Gaza.
"Many members of our community have direct connections to this area and have reached out to share how deeply they and their families have been affected by the terrorist attacks on Saturday and the ensuing violence that has now escalated into war," Lussier wrote.
"We have been striving to ensure that our schools remain a safe space for all of our students. Antisemitism and Islamophobia have never been acceptable within WPS, and that remains the case now," he continued. "We have students, staff and families with strong affinities to the Israeli and Palestinian communities, and all are valued members of our WPS community. We are working to be responsive to their needs during this difficult time."
The superintendent said officials had also become aware of rumors about a variety of possible threats Friday to the region, related to the events of the Middle East, noting that the district is in close contact with the Wellesley Police Department.
"They have confirmed that, as of now, there are no credible threats to the Boston area or our school community," Lussier said. "Regardless, the Wellesley Police Department is maintaining a heightened state of awareness and will continue to prioritize school safety."
Local officials are saying that this stepped up security is not a call to panic but rather to be alert. They are reminding everyone, if you see something, say something.
State police urge the public to call 911 to immediately report any suspicious person, object or activity.
