Durham Jewish holiday patrols will increase at places of worship and community gathering locations during the upcoming High Holiday period, Durham Regional Police Service says.
Uniformed officers will conduct enhanced patrols and maintain a visible presence at identified locations across Durham Region. Police described the measure as precautionary and intended to reassure worshippers, visitors and the broader community.
The increased presence will coincide with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Both observances bring community members together for religious services and other gatherings at synagogues and community centres.
DRPS did not identify a specific threat in its September 11 announcement. The service said the patrols are proactive and part of its ongoing work with community partners to support public safety and faith communities.
Police are asking residents to report suspicious, concerning or dangerous activity. Emergencies should be reported through 911, while non-emergency incidents can be directed to DRPS by telephone or through its online reporting system where appropriate.
The Durham Jewish holiday patrols are expected to continue throughout the holiday period. The police service did not publish a list of the locations receiving an enhanced presence, an approach that avoids publicly identifying specific security arrangements.
