Key facts
- Jewish congregations in the U.S. are experiencing heightened anxiety due to rising antisemitism and internal divisions ahead of the High Holy Days.
- Leaders report a surge in antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment from various political sources.
- Security organizations are providing training and advice to Jewish institutions to prepare for potential threats.
- Significant divisions exist within the Jewish community regarding Israel's policies and its right to exist.
- Jewish organizations are advocating for increased federal funding for nonprofit security grants.
As the High Holy Days commence, Jewish communities across the United States are grappling with a heightened sense of vulnerability stemming from increased antisemitic threats and deep internal divisions, particularly concerning Israel's policies.
Rabbis report that congregants feel "extremely precarious" due to a surge in antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment from both the political right and left, which some describe as the worst uptick in antisemitism in their lifetime. This unease is compounded by internal disagreements, with many liberal Jews opposing Israel's actions in Gaza while still viewing Israel as an ancestral homeland, and feeling that their historical connection is being delegitimized.
Security organizations like the Secure Community Network are responding by offering webinars and training on threat response, emphasizing preparation and community engagement. Michael Masters, the SCN's national director, noted that antisemitic threats now originate from a wider array of sources, including white supremacists and proxies of Iran, making it difficult to pinpoint a single enemy. Recent violent attacks on U.S. synagogues underscore these concerns.
Despite condemnation of such incidents across the political spectrum, the broader Jewish community remains divided. A recent AP-NORC survey indicated that about 3 in 10 U.S. Jews believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians. Leaders like Masters and Ingber stress the importance of unity, noting that adversaries do not differentiate between Jewish denominations and that collective strength is found in standing together. Ingber also highlighted the danger of the Israel-related divisions being weaponized and the challenge for rabbis to address these issues during the High Holy Days without fostering further schism.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs of the Union for Reform Judaism described the upcoming Holy Days as a time of "awe" and "fear," with many Jews hesitant to express their faith publicly. He acknowledged the pronounced divisions, even between family members, regarding views on Israel, and emphasized the need to foster connectedness within and beyond congregations.
In response to these security concerns, major Jewish organizations are appealing to Congress to triple the current allotment for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, requesting $1 billion to enhance physical security for houses of worship and other nonprofits. Nathan Diament of the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center is among those advocating for this increased funding.
Discussion