As the Jewish community prepares for the High Holidays, concerns are mounting over a significant rise in antisemitic hate crimes following last October's Hamas terror attack on Israel. The FBI reports a 55% increase in anti-Jewish incidents since the attack, with over 900 incidents occurring in the last three months of 2023 alone. Jewish organizations are working diligently to ensure the safety of Jewish institutions and individuals during this time.
The approaching High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have heightened concerns within the Jewish community as antisemitism continues to spike across the United States. In the wake of Hamas' October 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the hostage-taking of hundreds more in the Gaza Strip, there has been a noticeable surge in antisemitic incidents.
Antisemitism Surges After Hamas Attack, Fueling Concerns Ahead of High Holidays
Latest FBI hate crime statistics reveal a staggering 55% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes since the attack, with 1,951 incidents reported in 2023 as compared to 1,257 in 2022. Of these, over 900 occurred in the final three months of the year, a significant jump from the 318 incidents recorded during the same period in 2022.
In response to this alarming trend, Community Security Service (CSS), a leading Jewish security organization, has been working tirelessly to protect Jewish institutions and individuals. Its CEO, Richard Priem, emphasized the organization's commitment to ensuring the safety of High Holidays observances.
Antisemitism Surges After Hamas Attack, Fueling Concerns Ahead of High Holidays
"We want Jewish Americans to be reassured that there are many competent organizations and individuals, both in government and within the community, proactively working to make sure that these High Holidays will be safe and enjoyable," Priem stated.
CSS's efforts have led to a 30% increase in its partnerships with Jewish institutions, bringing the total to 470. The organization's campus program, now present on over a dozen college campuses, provides Jewish students with self-defense, awareness, and de-escalation training.
Antisemitism Surges After Hamas Attack, Fueling Concerns Ahead of High Holidays
Priem highlighted the importance of empowering Jewish community members to secure their own institutions, which has resulted in over 5,000 trained volunteers ready to protect Jewish facilities. This increase in volunteers has enabled CSS to respond effectively to a growing number of incidents.
"We report hundreds of incidents every year, many of which are being investigated by law enforcement, some of which actually lead to arrests and federal charges," Priem said.
Antisemitism Surges After Hamas Attack, Fueling Concerns Ahead of High Holidays
One such incident occurred in December outside the Kesher Israel Synagogue in Georgetown, where CSS volunteers intervened to stop an attack on Jewish worshipers by a perpetrator who shouted "Gas the Jews." The individual was subsequently arrested and charged with obstructing religious exercise.
The escalation of antisemitism since October 7, 2023, has been primarily driven by the spillover of hate from ongoing Middle East conflicts. Priem explained that individuals targeting Jewish institutions may feel justified due to political disagreements surrounding foreign countries, particularly Israel.
Antisemitism Surges After Hamas Attack, Fueling Concerns Ahead of High Holidays
However, CSS volunteers remain vigilant against other threats, including white supremacists and radical Islamic groups like ISIS and al Qaeda. In September 2023, a Pakistani man pledging support to ISIS was arrested in Canada as he attempted to travel to the U.S. to carry out attacks on a New York Jewish center.
Despite these diverse and serious threats, Priem expressed confidence in the ability of CSS volunteers to work with law enforcement and ensure the safety of the Jewish community during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. He emphasized the organization's commitment to providing protection for members of the community so that they can observe the High Holidays without fear.
