Police Increase Presence At Places Of Worship In Light Of Oct. 7 Anniversary

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Highland Park Police Department has increased its presence near houses of worship in light of the anniversary of Oct.7.

Despite the increased presence, there have been no known threats to the community at this time, according to city officials.

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack at an Israeli music festival, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since that action, which ignited the Israel-Hamas war, more than 66,000 people are estimated to have been killed and approximately 167,000 have been wounded in airstrikes and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

"We continue to hold in our hearts the hostages who remain in captivity and the families who wait for their safe return. In particular, we honor the memories of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Itai Seif, and all those with connections to Highland Park," Mayor Nancy Rotering said in a statement.

In a statement, Rotering underscored the reported rise of antisemitism in the United States in recent years. In June, the community was rocked when a threatening, antisemitic letter was sent to a Highland Park residence.

In August, the city adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. The newly adopted ordinance implements anti-discrimination measures and provides ongoing education to the community.