London’s Metropolitan Police said it was increasing its presence across parts of the British capital to provide “reassurance.” It cited “a number of incidents, including those that have been shared on social media, in relation to the ongoing conflict in Israel and the border with Gaza.” Video footage tweeted by British television host Rachel Riley appeared to show people celebrating, clapping and waving the Palestinian flag in western London on Saturday night.
The Met Police also said it was aware that protests relating to the conflict may take place on British soil in the coming days.
Acton, half an hour ago.
Popped into a cafe for some baklava with the kids and our Ukrainian friends.
People have been brutally murdered, kidnapped and there are people in London dancing.
Just had a reassuring call with the police, if anyone is scared, please call them. https://t.co/fYjXn4zEDF pic.twitter.com/dQjcAsRyDS
— Rachel Riley MBE 💙 (@RachelRileyRR) October 7, 2023
In the United States, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said security was being increased within Jewish communities and at houses of worship. She also condemned what she called an “abhorrent and morally repugnant” rally planned in Times Square on Sunday in support of the perpetrators of the attack on Israel.
A rally, titled “All Out for Palestine,” is due to be held in Times Square on Sunday afternoon, according to organizers who are using social media to promote the event.
“New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, and we stand side by side with Israel every day — but we do so with extra resolve today,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement Saturday.
Adams assured Americans that there was “no credible threat to New York City” but that the police had been directed to deploy “additional resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship.”
In Los Angeles, Police Chief Michel Moore, said the city, which has one of the largest Jewish communities in the nation, would also be stepping up patrols near synagogues and in surrounding neighborhoods.
In Florida, Miami Beach Police said they were increasing police visibility around synagogues and at other locations, “to ensure the safety and security of everyone.”
Across Europe, similar measures were being implemented, with officials in Germany citing celebratory images of the assaults circulating online.
Berlin police said Saturday that they were aware of posts circulating online that showed “people celebrating the attacks on Israel by distributing sweet baked goods” in the German capital, adding that they had increased police presence over the weekend to prevent “anti-Israel crimes.”
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin urged regional officials to ramp up protective measures, especially at Jewish sites.
“At a time when terrorist attacks from Gaza are hitting Israel, I ask you to immediately step up vigilance, security and protection of Jewish community sites in France,” he said in a message reported by Agence France-Presse.
Pro-Palestinian rallies were held in several other nations Saturday, including Iran, Lebanon and Turkey. Large groups chanted anti-Israel slogans and waved the Palestinian flag.
