MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - After the United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, local residents from the Jewish community in South Florida shared safety concerns as police increased security in response to the attacks.
Residents from the Jewish community expressed mixed emotions after Saturday’s joint military airstrikes.
“We have a mix of hopefulness and thankfulness, and at the same time, I am vigilant to make sure that this doesn’t happen again,” said Rabbi Yossi Harlig from the Chabad of Kendall and Pinecrest.
“In South Florida, in Miami Beach, we really are a safe haven for everyone, but certainly our Jewish community,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “This is a positive to the amount of antisemitism, the amount of danger that Iran was bringing to the world, to the Middle East and to America; [it] just needed to end.”
Audra Berg, the president of Jewish Federation of Broward County, said she hopes that Jewish people can remain safe.
“We don’t want people to be scared or to hide. We want them to be realists and to pay attention and be careful, but we have the infrastructure in place for everybody to be able to go about their lives,” she said. “We are always prepared, we are always on the highest alert.”
“We have two choices: to focus on, ‘Oh, my God, what are people going to do to us,’ or to focus on, ‘What do we do to make sure, as a Jewish community, to be strong and proud to be Jewish?'” said Harlig.
With high tensions in Iran and across the Middle East, local leaders consulted with police to increase security at synagogues.
“Immediately, our partners in local police departments showed up at local synagogues at community agency events, because they just know that when something happens, we all need to remain vigilant,” said Berg. “We have the infrastructure in place for everybody to be able to go about their lives, and not be scared.”
“The hope, and the prayer, and the conviction is that there will be peace,” said Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus from Chabad of South Broward. “Jewish pride is way greater than any antisemitism.”
With the Purim holiday beginning at sundown on Monday and concerns looming over retaliation, local law enforcement agencies are increasing their presence out of an abundance of caution.
Sunny Isles Beach Police said they are taking precautions. In a statement, a spokesperson wrote:
“While there are no specific threats to our community, we remain vigilant in our commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.”
Further south in Miami Beach, uniformed police officers increased their presence at places of faith around the area and implemented their high-risk location protocol.
“Our priority is simple: the public safety of our residents and visitors here in Miami Beach,” said Miami Beach Police Officer Christopher Bess. “We will have police vehicles and patrol officers stationed at different strategic locations throughout the city like our synagogues, Mid-Beach and other areas, just to ensure everyone is safe.”
That message was echoed by the Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office. It released a statement reading in part:
“Deputies have increased presence around places of worship, cultural centers, and schools. We remain in close coordination with our federal, state, and local partners.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also expressed support the Jewish community. She stated on X:
“My thoughts are with the people of Israel and the Jewish community here in South Florida who are watching these events with worry and uncertainty.”
The heightened police presence is not meant to instill fear, but instead feelings of security.
With the uncertain situation, police shared a loud and clear message.
“In light of all that’s going on, we want people to feel safe and also be safe, so if anyone thinks about coming to Miami Beach and wreaking havoc, think again. You will be identified and you will be arrested,” said Bess.
“Our priority is public safety,” said Grace Marot from the Hallandale Police Department. “Residents should expect extra patrol in their area. We do urge our residents, that if they see something, please call us, say something.”
As the Purim holiday begins, local leaders look to the future and hope to keep their communities safe.
“For thousands of years we are celebrating the holiday of Purim, and it’s actually the happiest day of the year,” said Tennenhaus. “The joy will know no bounds.”
“This is a place where the Jewish community can feel safe, supported and protected,” said Harlig. “That’s something that’s a blessing to our community.”
City officials have made it clear that there are no immediate threats to residents on Miami Beach at this time, but urge people to remain calm and vigilant.
Similarly, no specific threats have been made in South Florida.
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