John Atwater reports from Boston. And while federal agencies warn of possible attacks on such events, I am still celebrating the sixth night of Hanukkah inside Boston City Hall. And they’re taking it very seriously, very carefully, without overreacting, but remaining vigilant. This year’s Hanukkah events have been overshadowed by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which has led to increased police presence at events across the city. Anti-Semitism is on the rise in our country, and intelligence bulletins say potential attackers are likely to use simple weapons such as guns, knives, and vehicles. Threateners say they view holiday gatherings and symbolic religious events as attractive targets, likely because of public gathering times and locations. the open nature of participation and varying levels of security.We can’t be too afraid, but we need to be cautious
Federal authorities warn holiday events could become targets for violence
Federal officials in the United States have expressed concern about threats at public gatherings during the holiday season, according to a joint intelligence bulletin obtained by ABC News. The safety concerns come amid heightened tensions over the Israeli-Hamas war that began on October 7. “Threat actors likely view holiday gatherings and symbolic religious observances as attractive targets because of their public gathering times and locations, the open nature of participation, and varying levels of security.” The bulletin states. It also states that potential attackers are likely to use methods such as: “They are taking this issue very seriously and very carefully,” said Grand Rabbi YA Korf, a pastor in Boston. “Don’t overreact, stay vigilant” On Tuesday, the sixth night of Hanukkah, a menorah lighting ceremony was held inside Boston City Hall. There were no incidents during the lighting of the menorah, and there were no reports of threats against the public ceremony. “We need to be cautious. We need to be careful. We need to be vigilant,” Korff said. “We need to work with each other and keep the lines of communication open, but we don’t feel as anxious as we do in other parts of the world,” and the increased police presence is likely to continue. . Related article:
Federal officials in the United States have expressed concern about threats at public gatherings during the holiday season, according to a joint intelligence bulletin obtained by ABC News.
The safety concerns come amid heightened tensions over the Israeli-Hamas war that began on October 7.
“Threat actors likely view holiday gatherings and symbolic religious events as attractive targets because of their public gathering times and locations, the open nature of participation, and varying levels of security.” says the bulletin.
The intelligence bulletin also said potential attackers would likely use simple weapons such as guns, knives, and vehicles.
“They are taking this issue very seriously and carefully,” said Grand Rabbi YA Korff, a Boston pastor. “We will not overreact and will continue to be cautious.”
On Tuesday, the sixth night of Hanukkah, a menorah lighting ceremony was held inside Boston City Hall. There were no incidents during the menorah lighting, and there were no reports of threats against the public ceremony.
“We need to be cautious. We need to be careful. We need to be cautious,” Korff said. “We need to work with each other and keep the lines of communication open, but I don’t feel as anxious as I feel in other parts of the world.”
There has been a noticeable increase in police presence at Boston’s menorah lighting this year, and the increased police presence is likely to continue.