Los Angeles-area police are increasing patrols around synagogues Thursday as the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins.
The Jewish New Year celebration began at sundown Wednesday but is taking place this year against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East and a rise in antisemitic incidents since Israel’s response to last year’s Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas.
The Beverly Hills Police Department is working with private security firms to monitor potential threats and have officers on foot working alongside specialized units around synagogues.
“As of right now, local and federal law enforcement has informed us and the community that there is no specific or credible threat toward the Jewish community,” Community Security Initiative Vice President Alex Zaytsev said.
The LAPD has promised a strategic presence during Rosh Hashanah and is also working with local and federal agencies to ensure those of the Jewish faith can safely worship and celebrate.