Niagara Police chief says threat level low for Jewish community but police presence increased
Published October 13, 2023 at 11:56 am
Niagara Police Chief Bryan MacCulloch said that while he considers the threat level to local Jewish citizens to be low, his force is nonetheless beefing up their presence around “places of worship, cultural centres, synagogues, mosques, and schools.”
Connected to the ongoing violence between Israel and the terrorist Hamas organization that started last week, a former Hamas leader issued a recent statement calling for supporters worldwide to participate in a “day of mobilization” today (Oct. 13) in the name of “heroism and sacrifice.”
In essence, he is calling for violence against the Jewish community but on a worldwide scale. Hamas’ deadly rampage through southern Israel last Saturday (Oct. 7) and the ensuing Israeli bombardment in Gaza has killed more than 2,800 people.
Said MacCulloch, “In light of the ongoing violence in the Middle East, the (Niagara Police) will continue to ensure the safety of residents who call Niagara home & those who visit our Region. We are aware of the worldwide call for civil unrest Friday and through this upcoming weekend.”
“We have increased uniform patrols surrounding places of worship, cultural centres, synagogues, mosques, and schools and are committed to taking all measures possible to ensure that all citizens in Niagara feel safe.”