Israel-Palestine: Montclair Police Monitor Houses Of Worship, Schools

MONTCLAIR, NJ — As war in the Middle East rages, the Montclair Police Department will be maintaining a heightened presence at all local houses of worship, schools and other locations with the “potential for large gatherings,” authorities announced Thursday.

In Israel, more than 2,800 people have been wounded and at least 1,200 people – including civilians and children – have been killed by Hamas forces as of Thursday afternoon, reports say. Community members continue to rally across North Jersey in memory of the dead.

Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities say at least 1,500 people have been killed in Gaza and another 6,000 have been wounded due to Israeli retaliatory attacks, also including civilians and children.

Despite the rising death toll in Israel and the Gaza Strip, police say there is no known direct threat in Montclair – similar to a statement from New Jersey’s attorney general earlier this week. Read More: Increased Security At NJ Houses Of Worship After Attacks On Israel

Montclair police will be deploying extra officers throughout the township for the near future as a precautionary measure, Chief Todd Conforti said.

“The Montclair Police Department maintains a strong working relationship with our law enforcement partners in the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, Essex County Prosecutors Office and the New Jersey State Police,” Conforti said.

“We remain in constant contact with members of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and the New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center to continually monitor and assess any and all threat-related information,” Conforti added.

Authorities said residents and visitors can report suspicious activity to the Montclair Police Department at (973) 744-1234.

SCHOOLS

Montclair School Superintendent Jonathan Ponds issued a message on Tuesday to the community in the wake of last week’s attack. He wrote:

“We are deeply saddened by the horrific Hamas attack on Israel and mourn the loss of so many innocent people. This barbaric act of violence is devastating and condemned. Our thoughts are with all those suffering right now, especially our families who may know loved ones and friends personally affected. Please know that should anyone need to speak to a counselor, we stand ready to support. If you have reason to believe your children are struggling emotionally, please let us know and be sure they seek support by telling teachers and/or counselors or another trusted adult. We extend our sympathy, prayers and thoughts to all those suffering.”

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