As Jewish communities across the United States prepare for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, enhanced security measures at synagogues have become a permanent feature, a transformation largely attributed to the lasting impact of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. What was once an unusual sight, such as a security guard at a synagogue's entrance during the High Holidays, is now a standard precondition for communal life.
Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America, described 9/11 as a "major turning point" in the evolution of security for the Jewish community. Prior to the attacks, synagogues might have had basic alarm systems or relied on police for traffic control during peak attendance periods. However, the widespread belief that Jewish communities needed protection from physical threats was not prevalent. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon underscored a perceived specific animus toward the Jewish community, leading to a significant shift in security protocols.
Following 9/11, the Jewish Federations of North America helped establish the Secure Community Network (SCN), providing a model for protecting Jewish institutions and a centralized point of contact with federal law enforcement. This network now plays a crucial role in coordinating security efforts nationwide.
The financial implications of this heightened security are substantial. A national study by Jewish Federations of North America estimated that Jewish communal institutions spend approximately $1 billion annually on security. This figure, derived from an examination of over 4,500 institutions, averages out to nearly $2.8 million each day dedicated solely to maintaining the safety and accessibility of Jewish life. The organization also leads an initiative to place professional security directors across all 141 Federation communities.
This increased security is not confined to large, well-known institutions or major urban centers. From New York and Florida to Michigan and California, congregants are increasingly involved in security training. Organizations like the Community Security Service (CSS) reported that over 20,000 individuals completed its training in 2025, with thousands of volunteers providing security for synagogues and Jewish events. The SCN recorded 4,400 incident reports in 2025 and trained 40,000 people, making 851 referrals to law enforcement.
Recent events have amplified these concerns. FBI data for 2025 indicated that 1,528 hate crime incidents targeted Jews, constituting 63% of all religiously motivated hate crimes nationwide. Although Jewish people represent about 2% of the U.S. population, incidents targeting them accounted for 14% of all reported hate crimes. In New York City, during the first eight months of 2026, while overall major crime decreased, confirmed hate crimes targeting Jews rose by 8%.
Incidents such as the August 14th disruption and alleged assault at Manhattan's Central Synagogue, and a prior attack where a vehicle was driven through the doors of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, underscore the ongoing threat environment. These events have heightened anxieties for Jewish communities as they observe religious holidays.
To address these challenges, advocacy for increased federal support continues. The bipartisan Jewish American Security Act aims to bolster security assistance for at-risk nonprofit institutions. The cost of security, often amounting to an estimated $90,000 annually for a single full-time guard, is viewed by some as a "vicious tax on the Jewish community." However, the primary goal remains ensuring that fear does not prevent participation in Jewish life.
"We do not want anyone to make the choice not to participate in Jewish life because they are afraid for their safety," Fingerhut stated. "What we have learned is that the visible presence of security, and the real impact of that security, is what enables and encourages people to come out and participate in Jewish life."
This commitment to security aims not to transform synagogues into fortresses, but to ensure that Jewish life can continue within them, protected and accessible for all congregants. The ongoing coordination between law enforcement, community organizations, and volunteers reflects a unified effort to safeguard religious practice against rising threats. Imagine a guard standing watch outside a synagogue during a High Holiday service, a scene that has become a stark symbol of this new reality.