NEW YORK, NY – Scenes of Palestinian supporters cheering on the deaths of innocent women and children in New York’s Times Square and in Paterson, New Jersey should have local residents concerned. At those rallies, supporters preached anti-Semitic rants and even calls for action to ‘bring Islam’ into every home in the five boroughs of New York City.
Now, Hamas, the terrorist group that orchestrated the massacre of innocent Israeli women and children over the weekend is calling for a day of global uprising and local officials are taking the threat seriously.
In New Jersey, local law enforcement officials are on alert in sensitive areas such as Ocean County, which has a significant population of Orthodox Jewish residents. Lakewood, the heart of the community in Ocean County is home to the second largest population of Orthodox Jews in America, outside of Israel.
It is also home to America’s largest Yeshiva, BMG. This week, sheriff’s officers were deployed around the campus in light of the attacks in Israel.
This weekend, Hamas is calling upon their followers to get out and be heard. While the call from Hamas did not specifically call for violent acts in America, the undertones were present.
In a recent declaration, the Hamas organization has designated the forthcoming Friday, October 13, 2023, as “Al-Aqsa Flood Friday,” urging a day of mass mobilization in support of Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa, and Gaza. The call aims at sparking large-scale rallies, especially among Palestinians in the West Bank and those residing within Israel, urging them to confront Israeli soldiers and show resistance.
The message extends to Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and advocates of freedom globally, calling for steadfast support to “expose the occupation and earn the honor of taking part in defending Al-Aqsa Mosque.” The movement implores Palestinians living in Israel to guard the Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing the need to “prevent the settler gangs from desecrating it” and counteract plans aimed at its division and alleged Judaization.
Furthermore, the statement pushes Arabs, Muslims, and Palestinians in refugee camps globally to assemble in grand demonstrations near Palestine’s borders, showcasing their unwavering support for Palestine, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa. Those situated at a distance from Jerusalem are encouraged to gather at the closest point leading to the city.
Hamas’ call also beckons the international community, urging individuals worldwide to rally in support of the Palestinian cause and their inherent rights to freedom, independence, and self-determination.
In conclusion, the statement reaffirms the organization’s dedication to the defense of the Palestinian territories, Jerusalem, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing the value of solidarity, unity, and resistance against occupation.
The State Department confirmed today, 25 Americans have been killed by Hamas in Israel, including a New Jersey born citizen serving in the IDF.
The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security has said there are no credible threats locally.
“In light of the ongoing conflict in the Israel / Gaza region, NJOHSP is not aware of any specific or credible threats to New Jersey at this time and is working with federal, state and local law enforcement to closely monitor the situation. Our agency asks the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local police or to 866-4-SAFE-NJ or tips@njohsp.gov,” the agency said.