Thames Valley Police to step up security during Jewish high holy days
Police say there'll be high-profile patrols around synagogues
Thames Valley Police will be increasing its protection of its Jewish communities during the Jewish High Holy Days.
There will be increased police activity around synagogues and the surrounding areas in the Thames Valley, including high-visibility patrols from neighbourhood policing teams and armed officers, Project Servator deployments and specialist resources.
Antisemitic incidents have been rising internationally since the Hamas terror attack on 7 October 2023, including the subsequent fatal terror attacks last year at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur and on Bondi Beach, Australia, at a Chanukah celebration.
Concerned
Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt, who is leading the operation, said: "We recognise our Jewish communities will be concerned for their safety ahead of the High Holy Days following recent attacks and the general rise in antisemitism.
"We have a dedicated operation to protect our Jewish communities, alongside the Community Security Trust, throughout the period so people can expect to see an increased police presence near synagogues and the local areas during this period.
"There will be armed and unarmed officers on patrol, support from specialist units, and engagement staff speaking with our communities, alongside our partners, as well as security measures people will not see.”
The dedicated operation will coincide with important religious observances, starting with Rosh Hashanah on Friday (11/9), but also including Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah.