Julia Eisen – WMAL News | October 9, 2023
Security around the DC area has ramped up following the weekend terrorist attack in Israel.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said there is no active credible threat but MPD has increased visibility around places of worship. Montgomery County Police has also stepped up patrols at religious institutions.
All of this comes as the attacks on Israel are affecting local families and communities.
“There is a significant Jewish population here in Montgomery County,” Adam Zimmerman, a teacher at Temple Beth Ami in Rockville told WMAL News. “There are many families here who have family members, relatives, friends in and around the affected area.”
Zimmerman said that he is relieved that Montgomery County Police are increasing patrols in the county.
“Even though the fighting is obviously thousands of miles away from here, the impacts are still very much close to home,” Zimmerman said.
In addition to local police departments increasing security, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has ordered all state flags to fly at half staff this week to honor those killed in the attacks.
Both Pro-Israeli and Pro-Palestinian rallies were held in the District over the weekend.
WMAL News Correspondent Barbara Britt contributed to this report.
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