Days after a former Hamas leader put out a "call for action," LAPD said it was increasing its patrols around Jewish and Muslim establishments on October 13.
While the police department said it had not identified "credible" threats, it spoke with Jewish and Muslim community leaders to plan for safety around Friday.
"The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of recent statements made calling for action as it relates to the conflict in the Middle East," LAPD said in a statement. "We have no information of any specific or credible threats to the City of Los Angeles but we are continuing to assess the situation for any potential impact to our communities."
In a law enforcement memo reviewed by L.A. Weekly, the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security advised U.S. law enforcement that while there have not been credible threats, there is a possibility of "Foreign terrorist organization" supporters targeting the Jewish community in the U.S.
"Past events in the Middle East have served as a catalyst for violence adjacent to protests, directed assaults and acts of violence against Jewish institutions," the memo said.
Law enforcement has also been made aware of sentiments made online, in response to the global "Day of Jihad," highlighting social media users who have used terms such as "arm up," and "ready the ammo."
"We urge the community who attend demonstrations to remain calm and peaceful," the Los Angeles Sheriff's Dept. wrote in a statement Thursday. "We are supplementing additional personnel from the detective division and specialized units to have high visibility in strategic locations throughout the county."
While not specifically citing a reason, striking Hollywood actors said they would not be picketing in either Los Angeles or New York on Friday out of an abundance of caution.
"Picket lines will be closed at all New York and Los Angeles locations. We'll see you next week," SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, said.
As of this writing, an "All out for Gaza" rally is still scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Consulate General of Israel on Wilshire.
"We will flood the streets of Los Angeles this Saturday, Oct. 14, with our unwavering support for the Palestine people and their ongoing struggle for liberation," rally organizers for Answer Los Angeles said in an online statement.
A march and rally in support of Israel will take place Sunday, Oct. 15, at 10:30 a.m. The march will begin at the Young Israel of Century City, down to the Museum of Tolerance.
"We have been mourning the tragedy in Israel, but we have also shown incredible strength by gathering together to donate supplies, clothing, and funds," organizers for the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles (JFEDLA) said.
The JFEDLA continues to accept donations with the Goldhirsch-Yelin Foundation matching donations up to $1 million.
"We must show our unity," JFEDLA President, Rabbi Noah Farkas, said at an October 8 Solidarity Vigil. "We here in L.A. cannot carry the rifle, we cannot carry the stretcher... but our funds can."
Hamas, a militant group that governs the Gaza Strip, conducted what the U.S. described as a terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. As of this writing, the attack reportedly led to more than 1,300 deaths of Israelis, according to U.S. President Joe Biden in a press conference earlier this week.
In response to the attacks, Netanyahu said he would “destroy” Hamas, which in the past has been found to house military bases, hostages and key leaders inside, or under schools and hospitals. Israel’s siege of the Gaza Strip, in response to the attack, has killed at least 1,800 Palestinians with the death toll expected to rise. Israeli military personnel have urged
Gazans to evacuate northern Gaza for “the safety and security of your families,” as its siege is expected to continue. The northern part of Gaza is home to about 1.1 million people, about half the total population of the strip.The United Nations denounced the Israeli military's call for evacuations, with Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, saying it "defies the rules of war and basic humanity."
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.
