In the wake of Hamas’ terror attack on Israel, Jewish institutions in America have braced for bomb threats and other potential assaults, with authorities across the nation taking increased action to step up security.

“Given the situation unfolding in Israel, we have surged resources to sensitive locations and have an abundance of caution to ensure that all New Yorkers stay safe,” a New York Police Department spokesperson told The Washington Times.

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Other police departments in major cities are following suit, as The Times’ Mark Kellner reports.

Harvard president breaks silence over anti-Israel row 

In related news, Harvard University President Claudine Gay broke her silence after 30 student groups signed a letter Saturday blaming Israel for Hamas’ terror attack, with Ms. Gay issuing a statement claiming the students don’t represent the university.

“Such inhumanity is abhorrent, whatever one’s individual views of the origins of long-standing conflicts in the region,” she wrote. “Let me also state, on this matter as on others, that while our students have the right to speak for themselves, no student group — not even 30 student groups — speaks for Harvard University or its leadership.”

Biden under GOP fire

With the attack on Israel dominating headlines, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was among those lambasting the Biden administration and House Democrats for not staunchly pushing back enough on antisemitism within their ranks.

“President Biden has said previously that he believes the number one threat America is facing is climate change. That is not true,” Mr. McCarthy, a Republican, said at a press conference last week. “The number one threat killing Americans is terrorism. The number one threat is an open border.”

Even in the midst of the president’s staunch defense of Israel, national security concerns — especially amid the already boisterous border battle — are certain to intensify. 

‘Real Women’s Day’ launches

On the social front, activist Riley Gaines embarked this week on a mission to “honor the achievements of real women and recognize the intrinsic value that only they can provide.”

With the launch of Real Women’s Day on Oct. 10, Ms. Gaines and others sought to push back on increased efforts to include biological men who identify as females in Women’s History Month and other commemorative events heralding women.

“Ms. Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer, said she came up with the idea after watching an ESPN special for Women’s History Month in March that showcased swimmer Lia Thomas, the first known male-born athlete to win an NCAA Division I women’s title,” The Times’ Valerie Richardson writes. Read more about the effort here.

Video: Ex-NFL star wages pro-life battle 

In a wide-ranging conversation, former NFL player Benjamin Watson tells Higher Ground’s Billy Hallowell his testimony, experience as a Christian playing professional football on a national stage, and how he believes God has called him to tackle his latest project, “The New Fight for Life,” in a post-Roe world.

His new book details how the church and Christian community can support those most disproportionately impacted by abortion. Watch Mr. Watson explain it all here.

Pro-life pregnancy center fights back 

A New York-based pro-life pregnancy center hit with protests, vandalism, and firebombing after the fall of Roe v. Wade is fighting back.

“A New York crisis pregnancy organization has sued two pro-choice activists under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, sending a message to the Biden administration over its lopsided record on abortion-related prosecutions,” Ms. Richardson writes.

CompassCare CEO James Harden said his organization is taking action after becoming frustrated at what he and other pro-life leaders see as a lack of federal action against those impeding his work. Read more about the story.

Police, clergy come together

An annual effort to create a relationship between law enforcement officers and faith leaders included thousands of gatherings across the U.S. last weekend for National Faith & Blue Weekend.

Police Chief David L. Hess, who leads the force in Roxboro, North Carolina, told Mr. Kellner the events are essential to rebuilding relationships that have become more fractured in recent years.

“It is incumbent upon us as law enforcement leaders to strengthen those relationships, and Faith & Blue offers a bridge to be able to do that in a way that breaks down barriers and opens up doors of opportunity to maybe even connect with portions of the community that could be difficult to reach otherwise,” Mr. Hess told The Times.

In our opinion

The end times? Over on the opinion pages, Pastor Greg Laurie asked a fascinating question concerning the war in Israel: Is it “a fulfillment of Bible prophecy?” Here’s what he had to say.

U.S. inaction fuels chaos. Mr. Hallowell explored how the crisis in Israel, and recent chaos in Nagorno-Karabakh, Nigeria, and in other areas of the world show evil actors fear little to no retribution for their horrific actions — and America’s often muted and confusing responses aren’t helping.

“Evil is real, undeterred and seems to be flexing its muscles, testing its capabilities, and looking to see if anyone’s willing to stop it,” he writes. “And while President Biden has been staunchly defending Israel in the wake of Hamas’ attack, it’s no secret his ideological opponents have seized on his perceived aloofness and weakness, particularly on security and international affairs.”

The facts don’t care about your feelings. On the “Ask Dr. E” front, Everett Piper tackles a familiar catchphrase from conservative commentator Ben Shapiro: “The facts don’t care about your feelings.”

“Can you tell me again why you’re so fond of this statement?” a Christian reader asked Mr. Piper. “It seems harsh and even implies that you’re not interested in how people feel.” Here’s how he responded.

Asking God for help. Finally, Pastor Ronnie Floyd opened his commentary last week by asking, “In these dangerous times, will America ask God for help?” He noted the juxtaposition between being dependent on God and trying to do everything on our own.

“America is on a rapid and deeply concerning descent,” Mr. Floyd warned. “Our downward decline is happening in plentiful ways and places.” Read his appeal to Americans about how to right the ship here.