Fairfield Police Prepare For Possible Hamas-Inspired Unrest

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police will have "an increased patrol presence at our schools, places of worship, and other areas throughout town" on Friday in light of the possibility of Hamas-inspired violence, according to Police Chief Robert Kalamaras.

In a post on the department's Facebook page (see below), Kalamaras was quick to say that there is "no known credible threat to" Fairfield or surrounding communities, and the department is "in contact with Federal authorities who have been actively monitoring global intelligence," as a precaution.

This week, former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal called for a "global day of jihad," or protests, by Muslims in support of Palestinians, reported News Nation. Authorities believe such activity could possibly include acts of violence.

Last weekend, the Palestinian organization Hamas staged a brutal terrorist attack on Israel, in which hundreds of civilians and soldiers were murdered, injured or taken hostage. The act led to a fierce military response from Israel, which is also preparing for a ground assault on Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas.

In a newsletter emailed to residents Thursday, First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said Fairfield stands with the Jewish community she asked

"Here in Fairfield we must continue to stand up against hate in all forms and support our Jewish neighbors, many of whom feel unsafe," Kupchick wrote. "I spoke with Rabbis Evan Schultz, Shlame Landa and Josh Ratner this week to share our strong support. I asked the Rabbis if they would share their thoughts with our community for our newsletter this week to help all of our residents reflect on the gravity of what has taken place."

To read the full newsletter, and the comments of Schultz, Landa and Ratner (which includes a video from Ratner), click here.