WASHINGTON — While many are focused on the violence overseas, there’s also a concern about threats locally. That's because a former Hamas leader called for a day of rage worldwide.
In a sign of the times, many synagogues have security year-round – not just in a time like this. But certainly with calls for violence security has been picked up across the region.
As leaders of congregations say they will not be deterred by fear, Shabbat services will go on as usual.
"We’re coming together as a congregation," Heather Garrett, executive director of Congregation Beth El in Bethesda. She says it’s been a heavy week. "We have congregants that are in Israel. We have congregants with family members in Israel. And we’re all one Jewish people. So we’re mourning with Israel."
And as they mourn, they’re also focused on security – something they’ve unfortunately had to think about for years.
“We’ve locked the doors all the time now. We’ll have increased security presence during school hours now. Things like that," Garrett said.
All this as synagogues and police across our region take precautions.
Outside of the Adas Israel Congregation in Cleveland Park, WUSA9 saw patrol cars and an officer by the front door. Same thing at the 6th and I streets synagogue downtown where we saw half-a-dozen officers.
Police say they have increased their presence amid the threats.
Richard Priem of Community Security Service said, "We know these are the kind of times where there tend to be more incidents, and we to be prepared accordingly."
Community Security Service trains volunteers at synagogues nationwide in security techniques. Right now, they have some 3,000 trained volunteers protecting more 300 synagogues.
When asked about the state of the world requiring services like his, Priem said, "Yes, I would rather be out of business. It’s extremely unfortunate that we’re in this situation, but we can’t be naïve. We have to look the realities in the eye and that means being proactive about our security."
The threats are very real for Priem. He was in Israel with a group of police officers on Saturday morning when rockets started to fly.
“The building was shaking," Priem said. "And I saw rockets flying over and rockets being shot out of the air. And I saw hurt people screaming as they were running at times to the shelter."
But back in in Bethesda – moments of strength as this congregation plans to do their Shabbat ceremonies as planned.
Garrett said, "I think it’s a moment of saying ‘We’re here and we’re going to live our lives, and we’re not going to let anyone take that from us.'"