THAMES Valley Police will be increasing its protection of its Jewish communities during the Jewish High Holy Days.
It will mean increased police activity around synagogues and the surrounding areas in the Thames Valley, including high-visibility patrols from neighbourhood policing teams and armed officers, as well as deployments as part of Project Servator and specialist resources.
The dedicated operation will coincide with important religious observances, starting with Rosh Hashanah on Friday, September 11, but also including Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah.
The operation is designed to protect Jewish communities, deter criminality and ensure a swift response to any incidents.
The force says it will be “intelligence-led and focused on visible patrols”, including community engagement and protecting places of worship and community sites.
It is supported by Home Office funding through the Protecting Jewish Communities Fund, and we are working with the Community Security Trust (CST).
Police figures show that antisemitic incidents have been rising internationally since the Hamas terror attack back in October 2023, including the subsequent fatal terror attacks last year at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur and on Bondi Beach, Australia, at a Chanukah celebration.
Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt, who is leading the operation, said: “We recognise our Jewish communities will be concerned for their safety ahead of the High Holy Days following recent attacks and the general rise in antisemitism.
“We have a dedicated operation to protect our Jewish communities, alongside the Community Security Trust, throughout the period so people can expect to see an increased police presence near synagogues and the local areas during this period.
“There will be armed and unarmed officers on patrol, support from specialist units, and engagement staff speaking with our communities, alongside our partners, as well as security measures people will not see.”
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or criminal activity should report it by calling 999.
The CST national emergency service is also available by calling: 0800 032 3263.
You can also speak to a police officer, visit a police station, ring 101 or use the TVP website to contact police about anything that is not urgent.
