US, Canada: Rallies related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict likely to continue in urban centers through mid-October /update 3

Event

Well-attended protests related to the conflict in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are likely to continue in major cities across the US and Canada through at least mid-October. Numerous demonstrations with thousands of participants have already occurred in urban centers in recent days. Most of the confirmed protests will be in support of Palestine, including:

• New York City: Times Square, 15:00 Oct. 13

• Pittsburgh: Intersection of Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, 15:00 Oct. 13

• Miami: Bayfront Park, 16:30 Oct. 13

• Seattle: Cal Anderson Park, 17:30 Oct. 13

• Philadelphia: City Hall, 18:00 Oct. 13

• San Francisco: Harry Bridge Plaza, 12:00 Oct. 14

• Sacramento: 16th and J Street, 12:00 Oct. 14

• Los Angeles: Consulate of Israel, 12:30 Oct. 14

• Washington, DC: Lafayette Square, 13:00 Oct. 14

• Houston: City Hall, 14:00 Oct. 14

• Denver: Colorado State Capitol, 16:00 Oct. 14

• Cincinnati: Ziegler Park, 16:00 Oct. 14

• Minneapolis: Bryant Square Park, 15:00 Oct. 15

Some confirmed demonstrations in support of Israel include the following:

• Washington, DC: Freedom Plaza, 12:00 Oct. 13

• San Francisco: Civic Center Plaza, 12:00 Oct. 13

• Pittsburgh: Fox Chapel, 17:00 Oct. 13

• Los Angeles: March from Young Israel Century City to Museum of Tolerance, 10:30 Oct. 15

• Denver: Capitol Hill, 14:00 Oct. 15

Demonstrations in other locations are likely. Potential gathering sites include Israeli or Palestinian diplomatic offices, synagogues, mosques, identifiable Jewish or Palestinian business premises, public squares, and major government buildings. Counter-protests are likely in some of the locations.

Additionally, authorities in the US and Canada have said they will increase police presence in certain areas Oct. 13-15, due to a higher risk of disruptions and violence following calls from Hamas leaders to supporters worldwide. Authorities have said they have not confirmed any credible threat, but some schools and religious centers may close or limit the hours they are open.

A heightened security presence is likely near protests. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are probable. Clashes between rival demonstrators or police and protesters are possible; vandalism may also occur.

Advice

Exercise heightened vigilance near demonstrations. Allow additional time for journeys in affected areas. Heed all official directives. Leave the area at the first sign of a security disturbance.