Dear Community,
JewishColumbus is aware of various news reports on the statement Hamas issued yesterday calling for a “General Mobilization” of the “Arab and Islamic world” this Friday, Oct 13. There is a lot of misinformation being spread on the internet, specifically on social media, which is why we are reaching out:
1. There have been no credible threats to the U.S. Jewish community arising from the recent events in Israel. However, it’s important to stay vigilant as situations can change rapidly, and individuals may be motivated to engage in harmful actions without warning, including continued in-person and online harassment, anti-Israel demonstrations, and possibly cyber attacks on Jewish agency networks, websites, and social media platforms.
2. Currently, our U.S. government agencies have not raised the threat level associated with the recent statements made by Hamas. Therefore, I encourage everyone to maintain their current security measures, including staying aware of their surroundings.
Regarding reports about Hamas’ recent statement, it’s crucial to understand that their intent is to mobilize support for that fight in Israel, not to incite violence against any specific group around the world. Some reports may have been misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary alarm.
I’d like to emphasize the importance of being cautious when consuming information online. Not every message or link you receive may be accurate, and it’s essential to be discerning about the sources you trust.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safety of our community.
Thank you,
Stephen Flowers
Director, Community-wide Security