Former chief of the terrorist organization Hamas, issued a worldwide “Day of Jihad (rage)”, Oct. 13. The intent was for Muslims and pro-Palestine advocates to violently take the streets and show support for Palestine and Hamas.
While the war is nearly 7,000 miles away, people all across America are affected and overtaken by fear. Due to the international call for violence and pro-Palestine Chicagoland protests, many Jewish communities in Illinois are concerned for their safety.
Deerfield High School (DHS) ordered a soft-lockdown Oct. 13, out of worry for the security of their students. The school was protected by armed police officers throughout the day and security prevented students from entering and exiting the school.
“Deerfield has a very highly populated Jewish community so our principal and the security are super worried about our safety. We had metal detectors at every entrance, and increased security guards throughout the school day,” Deerfield senior Addison Siroka said.
Siroka and many other Deerfield residents were petrified after hearing word of the “Day of Jihad” alert. Their community and others all around America were on high alert, with law enforcement ready to prevent disputes.
“Half of the students didn’t even go to school because they were worried about getting hurt or harassed. Many students and friends have gotten threatening direct messages on Instagram about their families being killed and derogatory messages about being Jewish,” Siroka said.
In addition to the lockdown, Deerfield principal Dr. Kathryn Anderson sent out a devastating message to the students. The email contained the suspicion that one of their recent graduates, Natalie Raanan, and her mother were kidnapped by Hamas while visiting family near the Gaza Strip in Israel. Gaza is a city along Palestine and Israel where the attacks initially came from. Currently, Hamas occupies the city and is holding hostages.
However shortly after the email was sent, the Israeli Government announced that they believe the two are alive but still being kept as hostages. But there is no official update on the status of the two women, and they have not been in contact with family.
Dr. Anderson encouraged the Deerfield community to come together and support each other in this difficult time.
“As a community, we denounce hate and work to curtail misinformation… I am so proud of who we are as a community,” Dr. Anderson said in an email sent to her students.
