Thames Valley Police will significantly increase security measures to protect Jewish communities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire during the High Holy Days, it said.
Beginning with Rosh Hashanah on Friday, the specialized operation, designated Op Tishrei, will encompass subsequent religious observances, including Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. Residents can expect heightened police activity around synagogues and surrounding neighborhoods, featuring high-visibility patrols from neighborhood policing teams alongside armed officers, Project Servator deployments, and specialist resources.
According to law enforcement, the enhanced security comes in response 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, who is leading the operation, stated that authorities recognize local Jewish communities will be concerned for their safety ahead of the holidays.
“We have a dedicated operation to protect our Jewish communities, alongside the Community Security Trust, throughout the period so people can expect to see an increased police presence near synagogues and the local areas during this period,” Bunt said. “There will be armed and unarmed officers on patrol, support from specialist units, and engagement staff speaking with our communities, alongside our partners, as well as security measures people will not see.”
Security operation supported by government funding and Jewish security group
The intelligence-led operation is designed to deter criminality and ensure a swift response to any incidents. The initiative is supported by Home Office funding through the Protecting Jewish Communities Fund and is being executed in close cooperation with the Community Security Trust.
“There has been a huge amount of preparation ahead of the High Holy Days, with CST working closely with police forces up and down the country to ensure that the strongest possible security measures are in place. Our priority is for the community to be able to come together safely and celebrate the High Holy Days,” a CST spokesperson said.
