LONDON (JTA) — Madonna has beefed up her security with two ex-Mossad bodyguards following threats on an Islamist Web site, according to a British newspaper.
The People newspaper also reported Sunday that the singer has instructed ex-husband Guy Ritchie to increase security for their three children.
On the site, which is password protected, the extremists chatted about assassinating Madonna without referring specifically to her contacts with Israel or Judaism.
The newspaper reported that "The vile threat was made by Muhammad Abdel-Al, leader of the Popular Resistance Committees — a fringe group of Palestinian militia who have launched thousands of rocket attacks on Israel."
Madonna’s involvement in Kabbalah is well known, and she has visited Israel several times.
"This seems to upset extreme Muslims who forget she respects people of all faiths whether Islamic, Christian or Buddhist," a source close to the pop icon is quoted as saying in The People. "Like anyone else, she would like a peaceful end to the problems in Gaza."
The source added that Madonna "is beside herself with worry, not just for her own safety but for that of the children."
It has been published in the past that Madonna, who on one of her Israel visits met with President Shimon Peres, uses Israeli security guards to protect her and her family.
JTA and British newspapers reported last week that the anti-terrorism branch of the British police warned prominent Jews to be extra vigilant and review their security arrangements. The Community Security Trust, the organization in charge of security for the Jewish community and its institutions in Britain, offered similar advice following the rise in anti-Semitic attacks since the start of Israel’s military operation in Gaza on Dec. 27.
