Increased Security in U.S. Synagogues Amid Rising Antisemitic Threats

Yeshiva University President Rabbi Ari Berman discussed the rising antisemitism in New York City, emphasizing a hate crime attack on a Manhattan synagogue. He noted campus security enhancements as the city witnessed 860 incidents and nearly 1,200 statewide. The significance of these incidents was heightened by Rosh Hashanah, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Security measures have transformed American synagogues. Twenty-five years ago, security guards outside synagogues were rare. Post-9/11, security became essential. Eric Fingerhut, CEO of Jewish Federations of North America, highlighted the impact of 9/11 on Jewish security measures. Before the attacks, basic alarm systems sufficed, but 9/11 changed perceptions. A shift emerged toward enhanced protection acknowledging threats against Jews.

“The attacks showed a unique animosity towards Jews,” Fingerhut explained. This led to the creation of the Secure Community Network to support Jewish institutions.

Annual costs for Jewish communal security reach $1 billion, with over 4,500 institutions involved. This initiative includes placing security directors in all 141 Federation communities.

Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun in Manhattan compared open church doors to the fortified measures at synagogues, underlining significant security expenses.

Beyond major cities, community training in situational awareness, access control, and law enforcement coordination has gained importance. The Community Security Service reported over 20,000 trained individuals in 2025, securing 440 synagogues and 100 Jewish events.

The Secure Community Network recorded 4,400 incidents in 2025, training 40,000 people and referring 851 cases to law enforcement. National Director Michael Masters emphasized the community’s readiness and awareness despite an accelerating threat environment.

Rabbi Steinmetz noted a surge in threats post-October 7, linking increased animosity towards Jews to rising Israel-focused hostility.

In 2025, the FBI documented 1,528 hate crimes targeting Jews, comprising 63% of religiously motivated incidents. Jews, approximately 2% of the U.S. population, experienced 14% of hate crimes nationally.

Antisemitic incidents have continued to rise, with New York City seeing an 8% increase despite a 6.2% decrease in major crimes. The NYPD reported a hate crime targeting Jews nearly every 25 hours, showing the persistent threat.

New Jersey authorities coordinated with various law enforcement agencies to secure houses of worship. Recent attacks have underscored the need for continued vigilance.

Steven Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit, remarked, “The assault on Temple Israel is a powerful reminder of our need for vigilance.”

Security expenses remain high, with one full-time security guard costing approximately $90,000 annually. Jewish communities seek increased federal support through the Jewish American Security Act.

Fingerhut emphasized that security is vital not only for deterrence but also to enable participation in Jewish life without fear. Fingerhut stressed, “We don’t want fear to limit Jewish life participation.”

Ariella Noveck, a journalist covering antisemitism, urged Jews globally to continue engaging with Jewish life, with security measures ensuring safety.