The holiday season in the United States could be at risk as tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate. On Tuesday, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a public service announcement warning of a heightened threat to holiday or faith-based events and New Year’s Eve celebrations in the coming weeks. This is a warning to those that may organize or attend public gatherings such as rallies and protests, which are protected under the First Amendment.
The FBI and DHS acknowledged the potential danger of “lone actor violence” stemming from the conflict between Israel and Hamas due to the accessibility and symbolic nature of large public events. Fortunately, the agencies stated that there is currently no specific or credible intelligence indicating that an attack is imminent.
The latest public safety announcement follows a DHS guide to help faith-based organizations, including churches, synagogues and mosques, take steps to better safeguard their facilities and congregations. FBI Director Christopher Wray also reported to lawmakers that the bureau’s hate crime caseload had surged by 60% since October, with the majority of threats targeting the Jewish community.
It is reported that since the Hamas terror attack in Israel that killed about 1,200 people in October, the Israeli military response has displaced an estimated 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where the Hamas-run Health Ministry states that nearly 18,000 people have perished, mostly women and children.
According to the FBI and DHS, the escalating conflict could “further aggravate the potential for violence”, and also includes an increase in hoax bomb threats and active shooter threats towards synagogues.
To better protect themselves and those around them, the public service announcement recommends that people:
– Remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at public events;
– Avoid large crowds and gatherings;
– Report suspicious activities to local law enforcement;
– Avoid wearing or displaying religious symbols or other signs that might be seen as targets of violence;
– Be mindful of online comments that could be seen as hate speech.
The US homeland security officials have stated that the country has been dealing with a “heightened threat environment” for more than a year, where the dangers come from domestic extremists that are fueled by racist, religious, and anti-government ideologies.
So, it is important for everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. It is also essential that we all work together to protect each other, and to ensure that the holiday season is enjoyed safely and peacefully.
