Florida heightens law enforcement presence at Hanukkah gatherings

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a legal advisory on Thursday, warning officers of the potential increase in violence against faith-based gatherings during the holiday season.

“Antisemitic sentiment and targeted actions against Jewish institutions, groups, and events has been on the rise in recent years, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas compounds this sentiment creating a heightened threat environment,” the advisory read.

Additionally, a memo from Florida Highway Safety and Motor and Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner said the department is on “high alert.”

“As Hanukkah begins, we remain on high alert and want our Jewish community to find comfort in the protection the Florida Highway Patrol will provide during the holiday season,” the memo said.

FDLE’s advisory, which was sent to all special agents in charge and capitol police supervisors, said the department should coordinate with local law enforcement to “ensure adequate security” at Hanukkah gatherings, including menorah lightings and other publicized events.

“Lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and/or personal grievances continue to pose a persistent and lethal threat,” it said.

“Additional monitoring for suspicious activity or individuals appearing to conduct surveillance around places of worship and locations of planned events is encouraged, as this may be an indicator of pre-operational planning,” the advisory said.

Following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, Jewish communities have experienced heightened levels of violence in the state, including the Chabad UF Jewish Student Center at University of Florida.

Over Thanksgiving break, the center was vandalized with hateful, antisemitic graffiti when students were away from campus.

Kerner outlined the work that Gov. Ron DeSantis has done for Florida’s Jewish communities following the Oct. 7 attack.

“In Florida, Governor DeSantis responded swiftly, executing on rescue flights, logistical coordination of supply delivery, and with great personal pride on my behalf, the deployment of Florida Highway Patrol to protect the Florida Jewish population both in our places of worship and places of study,” Kerner said.

“Hundreds of Troopers from around the state have deployed on a non-stop basis, providing thousands of hours of protection,” he said.