Yom Kippur: Police on highest alert level
Security forces receive 37 warnings ahead of holiday regarding possible attempt to carry out terror attacks; to patrol synagogues during holiday prayers; closure on West Bank continues
The security establishment is on the highest alert level Wednesday ahead of the Yom Kippur holiday after receiving 37 warnings regarding possible attempt to carry out terror attacks.
Armed Civil Guard volunteers are expected to secure the synagogues, and in Jerusalem police forces will patrol the Western Wall and the roads leading to it. Forces will also patrol areas between Jerusalem and surrounding Palestinian towns to prevent stone-throwing incidents; Palestinian vehicles will be prevented from entering the capital.
On Tuesday thousands of Border Guard officers and Civil Guard volunteers began their deployment in the greater Jerusalem area, and police forces secured a vigil that was held at the Western Wall.
During the early morning hours of Wednesday forces are expected to secure markets and malls, as well as train and bus stations; security forces set to patrol synagogues during Yom Kippur prayers.
Meanwhile, the closure imposed on the West Bank a week before New Year’s following the IDF’s “First Rain” operation in Gaza is expected to remain in tact until the end of the Sukkot holiday.
Yom Kippur hectic day for Magen David Adom
Magen David Adom paramedics are bracing themselves for a spike in the number of injuries caused by bicycle accidents on Yom Kippur.
Most calls on Yom Kippur relate to children being injured while riding bicycles, roller-skating, and skateboarding. On average 200 children are injured in accidents of this kind on Yom Kippur, making up a five-fold increase in comparison to other days.
The paramedical service recommended children wear helmets and protective pads on the knees and elbows. Children are also advised not to ride in the dark. In case of an accident, the injured should be kept resting on the scene and an ambulance should be called immediately.
Mobile "neighborhood" units will be spread around major cities on Yom Kippur.
The organization's main activities on Yom Kippur will be to evacuate injured children to hospitals and assisting people who faint while fasting.
People who feel dizzy, weak or pain in the abdomen should call the 101 emergency number.
Meital Yasur-Beit Or contributed to this report
