Border Police units and volunteers completed security preparations at holy sites, busy roadways and parks ahead of Rosh Hashanah.

By JNS Staff

(JNS) — The Israel Police said Wednesday that it would deploy thousands of officers, Border Police personnel and volunteers nationwide during the High Holidays.

Preparations for the holiday period, which begins Friday, the eve of Rosh Hashanah, and concludes after Simchat Torah on Oct. 3, were completed Wednesday, the force said.

Officers will be stationed at holy sites, places of worship, major roads, parks and entertainment venues to maintain public order and security and ensure freedom of worship for all faiths.

Police will operate “from the air, sea and ground” throughout the holidays to provide a “rapid response to any unusual incident,” the force said.

Anticipating heavy traffic and increased activity at shopping centers, police urged motorists to leave early, follow officers’ instructions and avoid speeding or using mobile phones while driving.

The public was asked to report any unusual incident to the Israel Police emergency hotline at 100 or call 110 for information.

“Even while you are gathered with your family around the holiday table, our police officers will be out in the field, looking out for you everywhere and at all times, so that we can all get through the holidays safely and return home safely,” the force stated. “The Israel Police wishes all the people of Israel a happy and safe holiday.”

The Israel Defense Forces held a surprise nationwide exercise Sunday to test the military’s readiness for a sudden, large-scale, multi-front scenario ahead of the High Holidays. The Israel Police conducted its own nationwide exercise in the country’s northern and central regions in July as part of the force’s annual training program, testing readiness for terrorist attacks and civilian emergencies.