Detroit Evening Report: Jewish, Muslim orgs in metro Detroit heighten security after social media threats
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Members of metro Detroit's Jewish community gathered at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield on Monday, Oct. 9, in a show of support for Israel following Hamas’ brutal and unprecedented attack on Israeli civilians.
Local Jewish and Muslim organizations braced themselves Friday as global calls for violence circulated on social media in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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A statement from the Jewish Federation of Detroit said no “specific or credible” threats for metro Detroit had been found, but that Jewish day schools, agencies and campuses had extra security. Several reports from community members suggested attendance at some Jewish schools was down today.
Mosques in Dearborn are also reporting higher levels of security for congregational prayers today. Dearborn police arrested an individual who made violent threats against Palestinians during a scheduled protest last weekend.
The Michigan chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) says it has been receiving reports about backlash against workers and students speaking and protesting in support of Palestine.
CAIR Michigan Staff Attorney Amy Doukoure says the organization is working to protect student speech.
“We’re asking people who have students or are students in public school who feel like they see backlash because they posted something on social media — or have made comments during class time — in favor of Palestine are supporting Palestinians to call our office and do an intake,” Doukoure announced.
Doukoure states students who attend public schools have a First Amendment right to speak out about political issues.
WDET reporter Nargis Rahman and WDET Digital Editor Jenny Sherman contributed to this story.
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