Patrols Added To Protect Bensalem Houses Of Worship

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —In light of "recent calls for violence" due to the Israel-Hamas War and the potential for protests in nearby Philadelphia Friday, the Bensalem Township Police Department is bolstering patrols around its religious establishments.

Bensalem Police said Thursday that despite overseas hostilities, it wants to "reassure our Jewish community and all religious denominations that we are committed to keeping them safe during this difficult time."

Police said they've added proactive patrols to houses of worship and will have an increased presence in communities of faith.

Bensalem Police are not aware of any specific threats to religious institutions or their members at this time.

"As always, we would ask all of our residents and members of religious communities to remain vigilant and to immediately dial 911 if you observe any suspicious activity," police said.

According to the Israeli government, the death toll from Hamas' devastating attack over the weekend has reached 1,200 people, most of whom were unarmed civilians.