Rising Antisemitism: Why Jewish Temples Must Prioritize Professional Security During Unprecedented Threats

By Derek Kreymer

Hub Security and Investigative Group

The numbers are stark and deeply troubling. More than 10,000 antisemitic incidents occurred between October 7, 2023, and September 2024 – up from 3,325 incidents the prior year, representing the highest number of recorded incidents since tracking began in 1979. This unprecedented surge of antisemitic activity has created an urgent need for Jewish temples and synagogues to reassess their security measures and consider professional protection services.

The Alarming Statistics: A Community Under Siege

The data paints a clear picture of escalating threats against Jewish communities across the United States. The year of 2024 was marked by an unprecedented rise in global antisemitism, with the Antisemitism Research Center (ARC) by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) documenting a total of 6,326 incidents. This represents a staggering 107.7% increase from 2023.

The scope of this increase extends beyond general harassment to targeted attacks on Jewish institutions and individuals. Antisemitic incidents on college campuses increased by 84% between 2023 and 2024, accounting for 18% of all incidents, demonstrating that educational institutions with Jewish student populations are particularly vulnerable.

Even more concerning for local Jewish communities, New York City, home to the largest Jewish population in the country, reported 344 incidents, up from 325 in 2023 and 264 in 2022. This steady increase in the nation’s largest Jewish community suggests that no geographic area is immune to this growing threat.

A Chilling Recent Example: The Chicago Synagogue Attack

The reality of these statistics became tragically apparent during October 2024 when a 39-year-old Jewish man was shot while walking to synagogue in Chicago in what police described as a “targeted” attack. The incident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning in the West Rogers Park neighborhood, an area with a large Orthodox Jewish population.

The victim was wearing a kippah at the time of the attack, making his Jewish identity clearly visible to the gunman, 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi. What makes this case particularly disturbing is that evidence from Abdallahi’s phone “indicated he planned the shooting and specifically targeted people of Jewish faith”, according to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.

The attack didn’t end with the shooting of the Jewish victim. The gunman then fired at responding officers and paramedics multiple times from various locations, demonstrating the premeditated and escalating nature of antisemitic violence. Police reported that Abdallahi shouted “Allahu Akbar” while firing at officers, further confirming the hate-motivated nature of the attack.

This incident resulted in hate crime and terrorism charges being filed against the perpetrator, with authorities stating that “we will never tolerate violence that’s rooted in hate and bigotry”. The case demonstrates how antisemitic attacks have progressed from harassment to planned, violent assaults targeting Jews during their most vulnerable moments—while walking to worship.

The Connection to Current Events

In 2024, a majority — 58 percent — of antisemitic incidents “contained elements related to Israel or Zionism,” according to the Anti-Defamation League’s annual antisemitism report. This correlation between international events and domestic antisemitic incidents highlights how global tensions can directly impact the safety of Jewish communities in the United States.

The rise in antisemitism isn’t limited to the United States. Jewish people have experienced more antisemitic incidents since October 2023, with some organisations reporting an increase of more than 400% across Europe, indicating this is a global phenomenon requiring serious attention from Jewish communities worldwide.

Why Synagogues Are Particularly Vulnerable

Jewish temples and synagogues face unique security challenges that make them attractive targets for those with antisemitic motivations:

Predictable Gathering Times: Regular services, especially during Shabbat and holidays, create predictable times when large numbers of community members are present.

Cultural and Religious Significance: Synagogues represent visible symbols of Jewish identity and community, making them symbolic targets for hate crimes.

Open Community Spaces: Many synagogues host community events, educational programs, and cultural activities that require public access.

Multi-Generational Gatherings: Services often include children, elderly members, and families, creating additional vulnerability during potential incidents. As Rabbi Sholomo Soroka noted after the Chicago synagogue attack, “Members of the Jewish Orthodox community are the most vulnerable to violent attacks. We are easily identifiable as Jews.” The Rabbi also pointed out that the Chicago victim’s daughters frequently accompany him on walks to synagogue, raising the terrifying question: “Could you imagine? What would have happened if they were with him?”

Historical Targeting: Domestic actors, specifically violent extremists with racial biases and motives, pose a security threat to Jewish communities. The threat may also manifest in ideologically-motivated workplace violence; anti-Semitic harassment; threatening incidents that target Jewish schools, community centers, and places of worship. The Chicago incident demonstrates how this targeting has evolved to include premeditated attacks on individuals displaying visible signs of Jewish identity.

Vulnerable Transit Routes: The Chicago attack highlighted another critical vulnerability—the routes that Jewish community members take to and from synagogues. The victim was targeted while walking to Shabbat services, wearing a kippah that made his Jewish identity apparent. This type of attack represents a new dimension of threat that extends beyond securing synagogue buildings to protecting community members during their most routine religious practices.

The Critical Need for Professional Security

Given the current threat environment, the question isn’t whether synagogues should consider professional security—it’s how quickly they can implement comprehensive protection measures. Given the rising threat of domestic terrorism, every Jewish school, synagogue, summer camp, and organization is a potential target. All these institutions house people, many of them children, who require protection.

The Benefits of Professional Synagogue Security

Specialized Threat Assessment: Professional security services understand the specific nature of antisemitic threats and can identify warning signs that untrained volunteers might miss.

Coordinated Response Planning: Security professionals can develop comprehensive emergency response plans tailored to the unique layout and needs of each synagogue. The Chicago incident demonstrates the importance of having protocols that extend beyond the synagogue building to include protection for members traveling to and from services.

Community Escort Services: Following incidents like the Chicago attack, many synagogues are implementing escort services for vulnerable community members, particularly those who are easily identifiable as Jewish through religious dress. Professional security services can coordinate these protective measures effectively.

Route Security Assessment: Professional security can evaluate the common routes that community members take to reach the synagogue and identify potential vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by the targeting of the Chicago victim during his walk to Shabbat services.

Discreet but Visible Deterrent: Trained security personnel can maintain the welcoming atmosphere of a house of worship while providing a visible deterrent to potential threats.

Law Enforcement Coordination: Professional security services maintain established relationships with local law enforcement, ensuring faster response times and better coordination during emergencies.

Training and Education: Security professionals can train synagogue staff and volunteers on threat recognition, emergency procedures, and crisis response.

Technology Integration: The current trends in Jewish Synagogue Protection Services include the use of advanced technology such as surveillance systems, access control, and communication equipment that requires professional installation and monitoring.

The Psychological Impact on Jewish Communities

The escalation of antisemitic violence, exemplified by the Chicago synagogue attack, has created profound psychological effects on Jewish communities nationwide. As David Goldenberg of the ADL stated after the Chicago incident, “Here in our community, Saturday’s shooting of an Orthodox community member while walking to Shabbat services was the realization of the worst fear held by many. And that is not OK.”

Fear extends beyond the immediate victims to entire communities. Parents worry about sending their children to Hebrew school, families question whether to wear visible symbols of their faith, and elderly community members increasingly feel unsafe walking to synagogue alone. This psychological terrorism—the fear of being targeted simply for being Jewish—represents one of the most harmful effects of rising antisemitism.

Professional security services play a role in addressing these psychological impacts by:

Restoring Confidence: A visible, professional security presence helps community members feel safer and more confident in participating in Jewish life.

Providing Reassurance: Knowing that trained professionals are monitoring for threats allows families to focus on worship and community rather than constantly looking over their shoulders.

Community Education: Security professionals can educate community members about personal safety measures without creating paralyzing fear.

Crisis Support: After incidents like the Chicago attack, professional security services can provide ongoing support and enhanced protection while communities heal.

The Evolution of Antisemitic Threats

(Image Taken from https://la.adl.org/adl-disturbed-by-27-percent-increase-in-anti-jewish-hate-crimes-religious-motivated-crimes-up-38-percent/)

 

The Chicago synagogue attack represents a progression in antisemitic threats that synagogue leadership must understand and address. Unlike historical antisemitic incidents that were often spontaneous acts of vandalism or harassment, modern threats increasingly involve:

Premeditation and Planning: The Chicago attacker had “planned the shooting and specifically targeted people of Jewish faith,” according to digital evidence found on his phone. This level of planning requires a more sophisticated security response.

Multiple Targets: The Chicago gunman didn’t stop with shooting the Jewish victim—he then engaged responding police officers and paramedics, showing how antisemitic attacks can escalate to broader community threats.

Digital Reconnaissance: Modern antisemitic attackers often use digital tools to plan their attacks, research targets, and coordinate with like-minded individuals online.

Ideological Motivation: The charging of the Chicago attacker with terrorism charges reflects how antisemitic attacks are increasingly viewed as acts of domestic terrorism rather than simple hate crimes.

The Jewish community has responded to these threats with innovative approaches to security. During 2024, we were proud to announce enhanced partnerships and agreements with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), and ALEPH, the Alliance for Jewish Renewal, providing opportunities for enhanced collaboration, data sharing, and support.

Organizations like the Secure Community Network have emerged to provide comprehensive security support, recognizing that Our team of analysts uses cutting-edge technology to proactively monitor for, identify, and address potential threats before they materialize into actual incidents.

Balancing Security with Spiritual Openness

One of the most challenging aspects of implementing synagogue security is maintaining the open, welcoming environment that is fundamental to Jewish worship and community life. Professional security services understand this delicate balance and can provide protection that doesn’t compromise the spiritual and communal nature of synagogue life.

Effective synagogue security should be:

• Unobtrusive: Security measures should blend seamlessly into the synagogue environment without creating a fortress-like atmosphere.
• Respectful: Security personnel should understand Jewish customs, holidays, and the sacred nature of worship spaces.
• Flexible: Security protocols should adapt to different types of services, from intimate weekday minyanim to large holiday celebrations.
• Community-Oriented: Security personnel should be seen as part of the synagogue community, not as outsiders imposing restrictions.

The Cost of Inaction

The financial investment in professional security pales compared to the potential consequences of inadequate protection. Beyond the obvious physical safety concerns, synagogues without proper security face:

• Legal Liability: Failure to provide adequate security in the current threat environment could result in significant legal exposure.
• Community Trauma: A security incident can cause lasting psychological damage to the entire congregation.
• Membership Loss: Families may leave synagogues where they don’t feel safe, particularly those with children.
• Reputation Damage: Security incidents can permanently damage a synagogue’s standing in the community.
• Disruption of Religious Life: The aftermath of a security incident can disrupt worship, education, and community activities for extended periods.

Taking Action: Steps for Synagogue Leadership

Given the unprecedented threat environment facing Jewish communities, synagogue leadership should take immediate action:

1. Conduct a Professional Security Assessment: Have qualified security professionals evaluate your synagogue’s current vulnerabilities and protection measures.

2. Develop Comprehensive Emergency Plans: Create detailed response protocols for various threat scenarios, including active shooter situations, bomb threats, and suspicious packages.

3. Invest in Professional Security Services: Consider hiring trained security personnel for high-attendance services and events.

4. Implement Access Control Measures: Establish protocols for monitoring entrances and exits, particularly during services and events.

5. Enhance Communication Systems: Ensure staff and volunteers have reliable methods to communicate during emergencies.

6. Coordinate with Law Enforcement: Build relationships with local police and invite them to review your security plans and procedures. The Chicago incident demonstrates the importance of having established relationships with law enforcement for rapid response coordination.

7. Train Staff and Volunteers: Provide security awareness training for all synagogue personnel and regular volunteers, including recognition of suspicious behavior and emergency response procedures.

8. Consider Technology Solutions: Invest in appropriate surveillance systems, panic buttons, and other security technology that can provide early warning of potential threats.

9. Implement Community Safety Protocols: Develop safety guidelines for community members traveling to and from the synagogue, especially those who may be easily identifiable as Jewish through religious dress or symbols.

10. Establish Emergency Communication Systems: Create reliable methods to quickly alert the entire community about potential threats or security incidents.

Learning from Law Enforcement Response

The Chicago synagogue attack provides valuable lessons about the importance of coordinated law enforcement response. The FBI’s Chicago Division immediately became involved, stating they were “committed to doing our part to return a sense of calm to the community.” This type of federal involvement demonstrates how antisemitic attacks are increasingly being treated as matters of national security rather than isolated local crimes.

Synagogues should work closely with local law enforcement to understand:

• How hate crime investigations are conducted
• What evidence collection procedures they should follow if an incident occurs
• How federal agencies become involved in antisemitic crimes
• What resources are available for ongoing threat assessment and protection

The charging of the Chicago attacker with both hate crime and terrorism charges sends a clear message that antisemitic violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, prevention through professional security remains far preferable to prosecution after an attack has occurred.

The Moral Imperative

 

The Talmudic principle of pikuach nefesh—the preservation of human life—overrides virtually all other religious obligations. In the current environment, providing adequate security for synagogue members isn’t just a practical necessity; it’s a moral imperative rooted in Jewish values.

As the Jewish community grapples with a recent surge in antisemitic incidents, many U.S. synagogues are turning to trainings on what to do if there’s a violent threat. However, training alone isn’t sufficient. Professional security services provide the expertise, resources, and rapid response capabilities needed to protect Jewish communities effectively.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The statistics are clear, and the threat is real. The Jewish community faces an unprecedented level of antisemitic activity that shows no signs of abating. The Chicago synagogue attack serves as a stark reminder that these threats have progressed from harassment to planned, violent assaults targeting Jews during their most vulnerable moments—while walking to worship.

Synagogue leadership can no longer view security as an optional expense or hope that their community will remain unaffected. The question posed by Rabbi Sholomo Soroka after the Chicago attack resonates with Jewish communities everywhere: “Could you imagine? What would have happened if they were with him?” referring to the victim’s daughters who frequently accompanied him to synagogue.

Professional security services provide the specialized knowledge, training, and resources necessary to protect Jewish temples while preserving the open, welcoming atmosphere that defines Jewish community life. The investment in professional security isn’t just about protecting buildings—it’s about preserving the future of Jewish life in America and ensuring that families can walk to synagogue without fear.

As Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx noted after the Chicago incident, the attacker “sought out this particular community, sought out this particular faith.” This deliberate targeting of Jews requires an equally deliberate and professional response from Jewish communities nationwide.

The time for action is now. Every day that passes without adequate security measures in place is a day of unnecessary risk for congregations across the country. Synagogue leadership owes it to their communities to provide the highest level of protection possible in these dangerous times.

The Jewish people have survived centuries of persecution through resilience, community solidarity, and careful preparation. Today’s threats require the same thoughtful response: professional security services that can adapt to the unique needs of each synagogue while providing the protection necessary to ensure that Jewish life can continue to flourish safely.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to prompt action. As Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized, “We should be outraged” by antisemitic violence. Channel that outrage into action by investing in professional synagogue security today—because protecting your community is not just a responsibility, it’s a sacred obligation.

The Chicago attack could have been far worse. The victim survived, but the psychological impact on the entire Jewish community serves as a warning that cannot be ignored. Professional security isn’t just about preventing the next attack—it’s about ensuring that Jewish communities can continue to thrive without the constant fear of being targeted for their faith.

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Sources:

• Anti-Defamation League Annual Antisemitism Reports
• https://hubsecurityandinvestigativegroup.com/1-top-factors-for-effective-church-security-in-massachusetts-lessons-from-the-michigan-incident
• Combat Antisemitism Movement Research Data
• CNN Coverage of Antisemitic Incidents
• Tel Aviv University Antisemitism Reports
• Secure Community Network Resources
• Stone Security Services Industry Analysis
• NBC News: “Hate crime and terrorism charges filed after Jewish man shot in ‘targeted’ attack” (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hate-crime-terrorism-charges-filed-jewish-man-shot-targeted-attack-rcna178348)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoF9n00RZww