Synagogues increase security for Passover amid increased antisemitic incidents

Synagogues are increasing security across the U.S. for Passover this week as Jews are seeing more instances of antisemitism.

The Jewish community has already seen an increased number of threats following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel, which marked the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust. From Oct. 7, 2023, through Jan. 7, 2024, antisemitic incident reports surged 360% across the United States, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

In New York City, more than 250 hate crimes targeting Jews were reported to the New York Police Department from October 2023 through March 2024. That is an increase of nearly 80% compared to the same time frame 12 months prior, data shows. 

Chicago saw a 30% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2023 compared to 2022, with a major increase occurring after the Oct. 7 attack, according to the Chicago Police Department.

The threat of antisemitic attacks rose to prominence over the weekend after a top rabbi at Columbia University and Barnard College told Jewish students to return home "as soon as possible" due to concerns about their safety as anti-Israel protesters on campus attacked Jews and targeted them with antisemitic threats. 

An NYPD public information office spokesperson told Just the News that there are "no credible threats" to the city at this time, but officials are remaining vigilant and monitoring events in Israel. 

"We will continue to deploy resources to houses of worship and sensitive locations throughout the city. We will also continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners, houses of worship, and community leaders to keep New York City safe," the spokesperson said.

Chicago police officers also say that there are no credible threats to the area at this time, according to Chiam Naiditch, founder of MAGEN Chicago, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to empowering the Jewish community to protect their homes and synagogues through training and community safety programs.

Naiditch told Just the News while Chicago synagogues have "always had tight security," they have "basically increased security" since Oct. 7, and he expects it to be like this for quite some time. 

Like New York, Chicago has seen its fair share of anti-Israel protests. For example, earlier this month, demonstrators shut down traffic to Chicago's O'Hare Airport.

"We definitely feel the increase in tension," but the goal of MAGEN is to "make people feel more secure," Naiditch said. He also urged bystanders to alert police officers if they see anything suspicious.

His message to people who are nervous about the security situation is to not give into the fear, as that is exactly what antisemites want. 

"We can't let fear rule us," Naiditch said. "That's what they want us to do."

The police department in Miami Beach, Florida, has also taken proactive measures to protect the community ahead of Passover despite no direct threats. This includes increasing police patrol levels.

Additionally, FBI Director Christopher Wray said last week that his agency is on alert for potential threats targeting the Jewish community, and he said he is "particularly concerned" about threats posed by lone actors. 

The situation in Israel has been particularly tense ahead of Passover after Iran launched more than 300 rockets and drones at the country earlier this month. Israel allegedly retaliated with strikes of its own, but the country has not claimed responsibility for it. However, tensions appear to have slightly eased after Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian played down Israel's response and said Iran would not retaliate.

Editor's Note: Madeleine Hubbard is involved in volunteer synagogue security in New York.

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on X or Instagram.