Antisemitic Incidents Lead To Passover Patrol Push. Suggestion That Driving Around With Israeli, Palestinian Flags Increases Risk.
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — To be clear: there are no known threats against any religious institution in Palm Beach County as of Friday morning. But as Passover approaches, police across the region are increasing patrols and presence at religious institutions.
Multiple antisemitic incidents have been reported in Palm Beach County over the past several months. While none have been violent, tensions remain elevated following the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel, and Israel’s response that has left more than a million Palestinians seeking food and shelter. Israel’s killing of aid workers with World Food Kitchen also elevated animosity. Posters of hostages taken by Hamas remain on light and electric poles across South Palm Beach County.
“We are always keeping our eyes on religious institutions,” said a police source with one of the major South Florida law enforcement agencies to BocaNewsNow.com. “But holidays, especially now, raise the level of patrol. We encourage people to live their lives as normal, but to always be aware of their surroundings.”
Law enforcement, however, does suggest that driving around with Israeli or Palestinian flags — as motorists are seen doing in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and other locations in South Florida, may be looking for trouble.
“You absolutely have the right to display flags and to show your support,” said our source. “But make smart choices. Realize that not everyone may appreciate your point of view, and sadly, sometimes people act upon things they don’t like.”
