Denver’s security officials will shut down a major street near the Colorado Convention Center starting on Thursday in anticipation of big events, notably a four-day conference by a Jewish nonprofit that contributes heavily to Israel. 

The closure will last through Sunday evening, the police said. 

Specifically, the police said it will close a section of 14th Street between Stout Street and Welton Street from 6 a.m. Thursday until 8 p.m. Sunday.

The Denver Police Department didn’t specifically cite the Jewish National Fund-USA conference, which begins Thursday at the Colorado Convention Center. Gov. Jared Polis is scheduled to make opening remarks at the conference.

But Denver officials police earlier said they are tightening security measures as Denver prepares to host the conference, which is likely to attract pro-Palestinian protests. 

The Parade of Lights is also set to close down multiple streets on Saturday evening from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The parade will stretch over two-miles of road, closing the streets to all parking and traffic. 

Downtown Denver Partnership recommended that those who plann to attend the parade get to the corridor some 45 to 90 minutes before 6 p.m.

Officials encouraged drivers to give themselves extra travel time if they’re heading to the event this week. They added that attendees should consider public transit and bikes.

The Denver police earlier said it is well aware of the upcoming Jewish nonprofit conference and the city is working with the organizers to “ensure a safe event.”

“As a precaution, the department will be providing additional resources to enhance security surrounding the conference,” the police said.

Mayor Mike Johnston’s office also told The Denver Gazette the city is prioritizing safety for the conference, which is occurring nearly two months after Hamas crossed into southern Israel and killed 1,200 people, the vast majority of them civilians. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza said more than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.

Hamas, which the U.S. government lists as a terrorist organization, kidnapped roughly 240 hostages in the Oct. 7 attack that ignited the war. Both Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire, allowing for a swap of hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and for aid to flow into Gaza. Israel says it remains committed to ending Hamas’ 16-year rule over Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian protests have erupted across America and elsewhere in the globe as the war escalated.

In Denver, more than a hundred activists showed up to Monday’s City Council meeting, demanding that officials denounce the conference. The protest forced the council, which has no control over such events, to adjourn the meeting.

Some 2,400 people are expected to attend the Jewish National Fund’s 22nd annual global conference, including high school and college students, as well as Israelis affected by the war.

“The safety and security of the thousands attending Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel is our No. 1 priority,” Sam Goldberg, the group’s president, said on Tuesday.

“We are working with all levels of law enforcement agencies and private security firms to ensure our community can gather in solidarity and support of the land and people of Israel,” Goldberg added.

The Jewish National Fund, which began in 1901, donates resources to Israel, notably funding for planting trees and building houses and parks. The group also offers people the opportunity to tour Israel.

“Like most good security, you will only see a fraction of the measures put in place to maintain a peaceful and positive conference,” Goldberg said. “We are grateful for the efforts of law enforcement and the good people of Denver who seek to combat hate in our community.”

The Associated Press contributed to this article.