Photo: Courtesy City of Beachwood
(Beachwood) - The City of Beachwood is taking seriously a statement made by a former Hamas leader who called for a "Day of Jihad." Khaled Meshaal, who led the Hamas militant group from 2004 to 2017, called for people worldwide to, "head to the squares and streets of the Arab and Islamic world on Friday, the Friday of Al Aqsa Flood."
Beachwood mayor Justin Berns wrote in a statement that the city, which is 90 percent Jewish, is taking the matter seriously. Berns emphasized that the call by Meshaal could have different interpretations which is why the city will enhance security throughout Beachwood on Friday. There will be added law enforcement presence in the city that will include members of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department.
Berns also called on community members to be alert as they go about their day on Friday.
"We urge all members of our community to exercise heightened awareness of their surroundings during this time," Berns wrote. "The principle of 'if you see something, say something' is more crucial than ever.
Beachwood is not the only city taking Meshaal's call to action seriously. New York City has ordered all uniformed police officers to report for duty tomorrow and be prepared to respond to any dangerous developments.
The full statement released by the City of Beachwood can be read on Facebook.
Copyright 2023, iHeartMedia
Hear news at the top and bottom of every hour on WTAM.