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Edited by: Fern Sidman
A delegation of law enforcement officials, including high-ranking members of the New York Police Department (NYPD) and Westchester County officials, found themselves near the Gaza Strip when radical Islamic terrorists from the Iranian backed Hamas organization launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel on Saturday morning, as was reported by the New York Post. The 32-member group had arrived in Israel just days before the attack and were forced to seek shelter until they could safely evacuate, according to the Post report. This incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officials working on counterterrorism and anti-Semitism efforts, even when abroad.
The delegation, which included NYPD brass and officials from Westchester County, arrived in Israel on Thursday, embarking on a mission to participate in counterterrorism and anti-Semitism training. As was noted in the Post report, their visit was a testament to the collaborative efforts between New York and Israeli law enforcement agencies in addressing critical security issues.
However, their training mission took a dramatic turn when, on Saturday, Hamas launched a multi-pronged attack on Israel. The barbaric terrorists seized approximately two dozen Israeli towns, resulting in hundreds of casualties among both Israeli soldiers and civilians, the Post reported. Shockingly, they also kidnapped at least 100 hostages. This sudden and devastating assault unfolded on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, adding a historical layer of significance to the catastrophic event.
As the delegation was only 20 miles from the Gaza Strip when the attack occurred, they were forced to seek shelter until conditions allowed for their safe evacuation, which reportedly took place on Sunday, according to the Post report. They are expected to return to New York, according to sources. The safety and well-being of the delegation remained a priority, and they were sheltered in a secure location, the Post report added.
District Attorney Miriam Rocah, in a Twitter post, expressed her concern and relief regarding the situation, stating, “I am in communication with our deputy chief who informed me that though the delegation is close to the Gaza Strip they are sheltering in a safe location and every effort is underway for their safe return to New York,” as was noted in the Post. She also shared her gratitude for the colleagues’ well-being and their protection during their evacuation.
“While I am personally overcome with emotions about the devastation unfolding in Israel, I share in the gratitude I hear from our colleagues about their wellbeing and protection during their evacuation, despite wanting to stay for their week-long training,” she wrote, as was mentioned in the Post report.
In related developments, the Post also reported that in response to the ongoing conflict in Israel, the NYPD increased security measures in New York City, particularly at synagogues, the Israeli Consulate, and other sensitive Jewish sites across the five boroughs. This proactive approach aimed to address potential terrorist threats or attacks and ensure the safety of New York City’s Jewish community during this tumultuous period.
The Post also reported that in the wake of the surprise deadly attack on Israel by radical Hamas terrorists, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has taken swift action to ramp up security at synagogues and other Jewish sites across the Big Apple. The move comes as part of a proactive response to potential terror threats in the city, with the NYPD’s Critical Response Command on high alert and heavily armed officers deployed to protect sensitive targets.
Following the military assault by Hamas on a significant scale, the NYPD has responded by enhancing security at various locations throughout the five boroughs. The Post report indicated that the Critical Response Command, a specialized unit trained to respond to terrorist incidents, has been deployed to safeguard potential terror targets. This includes bolstered security at synagogues and other Jewish sites, as well as the Israel Consulate located in Midtown Manhattan.
Despite no specific threats against New York City being reported, the NYPD remains vigilant in light of the potential for terrorism. As was noted by the Post, New York City, with its tragic history of the September 11, 2001 attacks, has long been considered a significant potential target for terrorist activities. The department continues to closely monitor the situation and remains prepared for any potential developments.
“We are aware of the situation and continue to monitor for further developments,” an NYPD spokesperson said in an email Sunday, according to the Post report. “At this time there is no known threat nor nexus to New York City.”
The NYPD’s Counterterrorism and Intelligence Division consistently operates at a high level of alertness. The Post report indicated that when international events have the potential to impact New York City or when the department receives intelligence regarding threats to the city, they take swift action to increase their presence around houses of worship and areas where conflicts might arise. This proactive approach is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.
In an earlier statement to news outlets, the department said its Counterterrorism and Intelligence Division “consistently works at a level of high alert,” as was reported by the Post.
‘When events from around the world could possibly affect NYC or we get Intel on a threat to NYC, we always increase our presence around houses of worship and certain areas where these conflicts arise.”
In response to the situation, Mayor Eric Adams expressed his support for Israel in an online post. The Post report said that he acknowledged New York City’s status as having the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel and reaffirmed the city’s solidarity with Israel during these challenging times.
“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 tonight,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The weekend deployment of NYPD counterterrorism units comes amid concerns raised weeks earlier about potential cuts to the Critical Response Command, according to the Post report. Reports suggested that up to 75% of the unit could face reassignment to street-level patrol units. These concerns have added to the urgency of ensuring the security and safety of New York City during times of heightened risk.
In other developments, the Post reported that Rebecca Solomon, a former television news reporter from New York City, found herself stranded in Israel following the devastating attack by Hamas terrorists on the country. Recounting her experiences during the assault to the news media, Solomon shared her fears and concerns for the safety of her family as the conflict continues to escalate. She is among many Americans who have been unable to leave Israel as the country grapples with the horrors of war, the Post reported.
Solomon, who recently left her position at PIX11, described the harrowing experience of being in Israel during the Hamas attack, according to the Post report. Alongside her husband and their 8-month-old baby, she had been visiting family and friends in the country for the Jewish holidays. The peaceful atmosphere was totally shattered when armed militants launched thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip and infiltrated Israeli communities by land, air, and sea.
Solomon expressed her deep apprehension as night fell in Israel. Speaking to News 12, she revealed her fear for what may transpire during the darkness, with the ongoing conflict casting a long shadow of uncertainty over her family’s safety. The unpredictability of the situation has left her and many others anxious and on edge.
“When the sun goes down and it gets dark again, I get scared,” she told her former employer in an interview Sunday over the phone, according to the Post report. “I’m scared for what’s to come at night.”
The former News 12 reporter acknowledged the vital role played by the Iron Dome, Israel’s missile defense system, in preventing even greater devastation. She emphasized that without the Iron Dome intercepting rockets, the situation would have been far more dire, the Post report said. The missile defense system has been instrumental in saving lives and minimizing damage.
“If there was no Iron Dome after what happened this morning we would not be having this conversation,” she bluntly told News12. “That’s how serious it is.”
Tragically, at least eleven Americans are among the casualties of the attacks, according to the Post report.
“We know right now there are no flights going out at this point but we’ll see what we can do in the next couple days when it’s safe,” Solomon told News 12 on Saturday, as was reported by the Post. “I don’t want to jeopardize my loved ones anymore. We’re in a safe place right now.”
In response to the Hamas attack, Israel has launched retaliatory strikes in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed “mighty vengeance,” pledging to respond to the aggression.
Speaking to News 12, Solomon shared her view from a balcony in Israel, showing empty streets on a Saturday night that would typically be filled with celebration for the holiday Simchat Torah, according to the Post report. Despite the challenges of leaving the country due to halted flights, she expressed gratitude for being in a safe place. The Post also reported that she updated her Instagram followers, announcing that her family had managed to secure a flight back to New York, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil.
