SURFSIDE, Fla. — Security measures in South Florida are being heightened at local places of worship as many around the world celebrate Passover.
The Jewish holiday begins at sundown.
Miami Beach has been preparing for the holiday for weeks. Earlier this week, the Miami Beach Police Department met with area rabbis and members of the Jewish community.
“Our police department does a presentation and shows what we’re going to do, what the plan is, and people and anybody from the community, but certainly rabbis, chaplains come,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.
Police say the meetings are part of preparations for Passover, which begins at sundown.
“Our police department has activated its high risk protection order plan, so you’re going to see extra patrol cars, extra police on foot on patrols, and we’re also utilizing our technology, real-time intelligence center, drone technology,” said Meiner.
Meiner said residents will notice an increased law enforcement presence.
“A couple of decades ago there was a horrific terrorist incident in a hotel in Passover in Israel. Certainly we remain highly vigilant here in American and Miami Beach,” he said.
Tourists visiting from New York said they noticed the increased police presence.
“It was a concern coming down here. We came from New York and so far Miami Beach feels really safe. I did notice a good police presence around,” a tourist visiting Miami Beach stated.
And it’s not just Miami Beach. In Surfside, residents and visitors are also seeing heightened security.
“Definitely noticed in the area, especially here in Surfside, there’s been a lot more cops,” a resident said.
Meiner said he is aware of concerns tied to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and wants to reassure the community.
“Passover, arguably is the most observed Jewish holiday. We have the Seder tonight. Everyone, really almost every Jewish person observes, and it’s a great holiday representing our freedom from slavery and the fight that we, the Jewish people have had even till today,” said Meiner.
He added that with many people celebrating at home and moving about the community, safety remains a top priority during the holiday.
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