As the Jewish community prepares to observe the High Holidays, concerns about rising antisemitism in the U.S. have been heightened by the aftermath of Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel on Oct 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the hostage-taking of hundreds of innocents in the Gaza Strip. The recent FBI hate crime statistics show a significant increase in antisemitic hate crimes since the attacks, with a 55% rise in anti-Jewish incidents reported in 2023 compared to the previous year. As Israel continues to grapple with multiple fronts in a war, tensions remain high at home, especially as the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approach.
In response to the surge of hate crimes, the Community Security Service (CSS) CEO Richard Priem has assured Jewish Americans that proactive measures are being taken to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the High Holidays. The CSS has experienced a significant increase in growth, partnering with more than 470 institutions, including an expansion into college campuses where anti-Israel protests have created hostile environments for Jewish students. CSS volunteers receive training in self-defense, awareness, and de-escalation techniques to safeguard Jewish communities and ensure the continuity of Jewish life amidst the growing intolerance.
The CSS model focuses on empowering Jewish community members to become experts in securing their institutions, resulting in over 5,000 volunteers willing to protect their facilities, a significant increase from the previous year. Through these efforts, incidents of hate targeting Jewish communities have been documented and investigated by law enforcement, leading to arrests and federal charges. Despite these incidents often going unreported in the media, there have been instances where CSS volunteers have thwarted attacks on Jewish worshippers, such as the recent incident outside Kesher Israel Synagogue in Georgetown.
The rise in threats against the Jewish community following the Oct 7 attacks is attributed to the spill-over of hate from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah. The political disagreements related to foreign conflicts have fueled ideologies that justify targeting Jewish institutions as an expression of hatred. While the threat from homegrown extremism, like white supremacists and radical Islamic groups, remains a concern, CSS volunteers remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety of Jewish community members during the High Holidays.
Despite the diverse and serious threats facing the Jewish community, CSS volunteers are prepared to collaborate with law enforcement to facilitate safe entry and participation in synagogues during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The dedication of CSS volunteers and the organization’s proactive approach to security measures have enabled the prevention of hate incidents and timely interventions in situations where Jewish worshippers have been targeted. By training volunteers and expanding their presence in institutions and campuses, CSS continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding Jewish communities and preserving Jewish life amidst escalating antisemitism and threats.
