Tuesday, April 09, 2024
Philadelphia police show support for the Jewish community on the six-month anniversary of the Israeli attack
Exactly six months after the attack on Israel, Philadelphia police hosted a listening session with the local Jewish community to hear some of their growing concerns.
"We just wanted to be here to express support for our community, especially the Jewish community, and some of the concerns and fears that we have had since October 7," Joel Meyerowitz said.
Since the conflict in Israel, people in Philadelphia and surrounding areas have been nervous, especially families with young children and those who survived the Holocaust, according to the Jewish Federation.
"When they see anti-Semitic graffiti, when people shout things from their cars, when synagogues or Jewish institutions are vandalized with swastikas and hate messages, it brings up the worst feelings," said Philadelphia police chaplain David Kushner.
In a show of support, the Philadelphia Police Commissioner, along with other officers and members of the State Police, came out to make sure they understood exactly what the Jewish community needs.
"There has been such a rise in anti-Semitism, we see it in the schools, we see it in the streets, and it's important for us to have a strong relationship with the elected officials and the police," said Robin Schatz , Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. .
"We've been very aware of that for some time and have taken a kind of elevated stance and will continue to do so in making sure we do everything we can to make them feel safe," said Philadelphia Police Chief Kevin Bethel .
The director of the secure community network says that between 2022 and 2023, reports of anti-Semitic incidents increased 500 percent, from 20 reports to 119 in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
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