Two law enforcement agencies in Northeast Ohio are stepping up security after a former Hamas leader called for a "Day of Jihad" on Friday.
The mayors of Beachwood and University Heights, which have sizable Jewish populations, have released letters urging residents to be on alert, saying that they will be increasing security measures throughout their cities.
There have been no specific or credible threats made locally.
Overnight, Israel's military ordered more than a million citizens living in Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a ground invasion. The war there has claimed over 2,800 lives as of Friday morning.
Augie Napoli, the executive director of The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood, said out of an abundance of caution, leaders decided to close its daycare on Friday.
"It seemed like the right thing to do — all things considered," Napoli said. "But, we will be going on with our regular Friday night services this evening. If there was ever a time that the congregation needs and wants to come together in prayer, this would be it."
He said the war has become very personal to many across the country and in Northeast Ohio.
"In Cleveland, (the) congregation is hurting. It's sad. It's a very difficult and trying, troubling time for Jews everywhere," Napoli said.
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland utilizes private security to offer protection and safety training to Jewish agencies in Cleveland and surrounding cities.
Jim Hartnett is the director of community-wide security.
"The reality is we know that anti-semitism is at an all-time high right now," Hartnett said.
He said ever since the escalation between Israel and Hamas, his team has been working daily with local, state and federal law enforcement partners.
"We're forward-leaning on this. We're not waiting for something to happen. We'll have a lot of visible security out there in the community, but then there will also be a kind of under-the-radar level of security that won't be detected by the general public. We are prepared to still remain open and vibrant and let our community members live a vibrant Jewish life. So, we will put the resources in place to make them feel safe and protected," Hartnett said.
Juscelino Colares, a professor of law at Case Western Reserve University, said Hamas and other terrorist groups have issued "Day of Jihad" messages before. He said each requires unique attention and vigilance.
"Part of being a terrorist organization is issuing lots of threats, and terrorists have been known for head fakes... but this time, it seems that they're building up a movement. They want to call for action," Colares said.
Napoli said continued vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement will rule the day.
"First and foremost is the safety and well-being of our congregation. That's our responsibility," Napoli said.
