PROSPECT HEIGHTS — The war in Israel is being felt here at home. Concerned about the possibility of protest demonstrations on Friday, Oct. 13, and the possibility of erupting violence, the Diocese of Brooklyn allowed Catholic academies the chance to decide to conduct classes remotely that day.

The diocese allowed each school to make its own decision on how to proceed.

Hamas, the terrorist group that attacked Israel, issued a call for a “global mobilization” in support of Palestinians on Oct. 13 — a call that set off worldwide concern. The call was contained in a statement issued by Hamas leaders on Oct. 10 that was translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute.

Deacon Kevin McCormack, superintendent of schools, sent an “urgent letter” to principals on Thursday, Oct. 12, outlining the diocese’s concerns.

In his letter, he cited “possible threats” that were “heightened by unsubstantiated threats made via several social media platforms.”

Deacon McCormack, who stressed that his office has been in touch with the chief of the NYPD and NYPD’s School Safety Division, said that there were no known viable threats and acknowledged that there is expected to be a heightened police presence around the city, especially at schools and houses of worship.

“While this information should offer some reassurance, we recognize the importance of remaining vigilant when it comes to the safety of our school communities,” he wrote. 

Officials at Bay Ridge Catholic Academy decided to go remote for the day out of an abundance of caution. “We made the decision because we want our students and teachers to feel safe and comfortable,” Principal Paul Morisi said. “We are a STEM school, so our teachers know technology and certainly know how to teach remotely. We are capable of pivoting.”

A number of Catholic academies and schools decided to go with the remote learning option, including St. Bernadette Catholic Academy in Dyker Heights, St. Athanasius Catholic Academy in Bensonhurst, St. Ephrem Catholic Academy in Dyker Heights, and Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy in Jamaica.

Hamas struck Israel in a surprise attack on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,000 people and taking several victims hostage. The fate of many of those victims is still unknown.