Police emphasized there is no information indicating a local threat
Santa Monica police increased patrols around Jewish places of worship and community celebrations this week as nightly public menorah lightings continued on the Third Street Promenade amid heightened security concerns following a deadly antisemitic attack in Australia.
The Santa Monica Police Department said officers boosted their presence to provide visibility and reassurance. Police emphasized there is no information indicating a local threat.
The city marked the start of Hanukkah on Sunday with the first of its nightly menorah lightings, held at 5 p.m. in the 1400 block of the Third Street Promenade. Downtown officials said different synagogues and local community groups are invited each night to light the menorah and host their own ceremonies throughout the eight-day holiday.
Security was increased following an attack Sunday at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia, that killed 15 people, including a child, a local rabbi and an Israeli national, authorities said. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the violence as “an act of antisemitic terrorism.” Police in Australia said one of the two suspected gunmen was killed at the scene and the other was hospitalized.
Santa Monica police issued a statement condemning antisemitism and expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.
