PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Iranian attack on Israel is still raw for the Jewish community in the Philadelphia area as they prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
“I’ve heard from people in Philadelphia and I’ve heard from people in Israel,” said Michael Balaban, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
Balaban, like many in Philadelphia’s Jewish community, has direct ties to Israel.
“My friends and family just came out of the shelters,” Balaban said. “These are difficult times for the Jewish people, but it is very important that the world understands that this is simply not an attack on Israel or on Jews. Iran, their desire is to wipe out the State of Israel, but that is just their beginning. ”
Iran’s attack comes days away from the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on Israel.
“We are still grieving and until we recover the hostages, it will be difficult to see what the next day will look like,” Balaban said. “We must unite as committed Israelis and as committed members of the Jewish community and as committed Americans who stand for democracy and freedom to fight terrorism.”
Out of caution, the police are increasing patrols
Iran’s attack on Israel also increases security in Philly-area communities with large Jewish communities.
The police are very alert to possible threats out of an abundance of caution.
Lower Merion and Philadelphia police confirmed they have increased patrols around synagogues, temples, schools and other locations.
Police sources in Philadelphia said the department has increased patrols since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Police have also increased so-called “check-ins,” which sources say are aimed at ensuring nothing is out of the ordinary and that officers are more present in specific areas.
According to our local law enforcement sources, there are no known threats. The check-ins and extra patrols are done with great caution.
CBS Philadelphia has also reached out to the FBI to see if any warnings or bulletins have been issued, but we are waiting to hear back.