Security tightened at local synagogues for Yom Kippur

Security increased at synagogues for Yom Kippur

Local authorities said they are monitoring the deadly stabbing and car ramming attack that happened in Manchester, England.

LOS ANGELES - An assailant drove a car into people outside a synagogue in northern England on Thursday and then began stabbing them, killing two and wounding three seriously in an attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year, police said.

Police shot and killed the suspect, said Greater Manchester Police. It took police some time to confirm he was dead because of concerns he had an explosive on him.

The attack took place as people gathered at an Orthodox synagogue on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement and most solemn day in the Jewish calendar.

In response to recent security concerns, law enforcement agencies in the Los Angeles area have announced heightened security measures to protect the Jewish community during this period.

What we know:

Yom Kippur, or the "Day of Atonement," marks the culmination of the 10-day period known as the Days of Awe, which begin with Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. 

According to Jewish tradition, the day commemorates when Moses returned from Mount Sinai with the second set of commandment tablets after the people had worshipped a golden calf. 

Observant Jews believe that on Yom Kippur, God seals their fate for the coming year in the Book of Life. 

The holiday concludes at sundown on Thursday with the sounding of the shofar, a ram's horn.

In a series of posts on X, Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall neighborhood of Manchester shortly after 9:30 a.m. The caller said he witnessed a car being driven toward members of the public and that one man had been stabbed.

What they're saying:

Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell have been "working closely to implement enhanced safety measures aimed at protecting Jewish communities throughout Los Angeles," according to a statement from the mayor's office.

"The mayor has emphasized that antisemitism has no place in Los Angeles and that the city is committed to ensuring Jewish Angelenos can observe the High Holy Days in peace and safety," the statement said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department also released a statement, saying it is taking "proactive steps to maintain heightened awareness and preparedness" and has increased patrols and visibility around Jewish places of worship.

"The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our Jewish communities during the High Holy Days and beyond," the department said.

Local perspective:

Antisemitic incidents in Southern California and around the world have increased since Israel's response to the October 7, 2023, attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals. 

In response, both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are working with Jewish institutions and community leaders to enhance security. 

The mayor's office noted that Chief McDonnell "has made clear that the LAPD is focused not only on prevention but also on building community trust and presence."

What you can do:

While many congregations require tickets for High Holy Day services, some organizations offer free services to the public. The Laugh Factory in Hollywood will host a Kol Nidre service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, a morning service at 11 a.m. Thursday, and a Neilah service at 6 p.m. Thursday. 

The services will also be streamed on the Laugh Factory's website.