UK police step up security measures amid antisemitism concerns before Jewish holidays

Thames Valley Police launched Operation Tishrei, a specialized security operation protecting Jewish communities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire during the High Holy Days. The operation, beginning with Rosh Hashanah, deploys armed officers, high-visibility patrols, and specialist units in response to rising antisemitic threats following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and last year's Manchester synagogue shooting.

Thames Valley Police launched Operation Tishrei, a dedicated security operation to protect Jewish communities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire during the High Holy Days. The operation begins with Rosh Hashanah on Friday and covers Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. Police will deploy armed and unarmed officers, high-visibility patrols from neighborhood policing teams, Project Servator deployments, and specialist resources around synagogues and surrounding neighborhoods. The enhanced security measures respond to international increases in antisemitic incidents since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks. Officials explicitly noted subsequent fatal attacks, including last year's synagogue shooting in Manchester on Yom Kippur and the assault at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia. Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt, leading the operation, stated that authorities recognize local Jewish communities will be concerned for their safety. The intelligence-led operation is supported by Home Office funding through the Protecting Jewish Communities Fund and executed in close cooperation with the Community Security Trust. A CST spokesperson said there has been extensive preparation ahead of the High Holy Days, working closely with police forces nationwide to ensure strong security measures are in place.