Police heighten security throughout capital for Rosh Hashana

Special patrol units, undercover officers, and border policemen will patrol the Old City and the capital’s surrounding neighborhoods.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
A view of the Old City of Jerusalem. (photo credit: REUTERS)
A view of the Old City of Jerusalem.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Hundreds of extra police officers from multiple units will blanket the capital, with a special emphasis on the Old City, throughout Rosh Hashana to ensure no rioting or terrorist attacks take place during the holiday, officials said Tuesday.
According to police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, special patrol units, undercover officers, and border policemen will patrol the Old City and the capital’s surrounding neighborhoods around the clock from Wednesday through Sunday.
“Security assessments have been made over the last 48 hours to prepare for the holiday,” said Rosenfeld. “There will be heightened patrols throughout the country, and particularly in Jerusalem.”
Rosenfeld added that officers will also keep a watchful eye over Muslim Friday prayers on the Temple Mount, which have been known to result in riots.
“Thousands of visitors are expected in the Old City, so standard security measures will be implemented, as in previous years,” he said. “Police will ensure the safety of all visitors to the Old City throughout the holiday and prevent any incidents from taking place that will disturb them from peacefully observing Rosh Hashana.”