Authorities across the United States are being urged to bolster police patrols around Jewish schools and synagogues as the Jewish High Holy Days commence on September 11. This period coincides with the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, adding another layer of concern for the community.
"Every Jewish child deserves access to a safe place to learn, and every individual deserves to worship in peace," stated Sydney Altfield, CEO of the Teach Coalition, a New York-based organization operating in seven states. "Jewish day schools and houses of worship have increasingly become targets."
Antisemitic hate crimes constituted nearly 63% of religion-based hate crimes nationwide in 2025, marking the third-highest number of anti-Jewish hate crimes recorded in federal data, according to an Anti-Defamation League analysis. In New York City, hate crimes surged by 9.4% through July of the current year compared to the same period in 2025. Despite overall historic lows for murders and shootings, more than half of the incidents targeted Jewish New Yorkers, NYPD statistics indicated.
Some Jewish leaders have voiced criticism of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been outspoken about Israel, accusing the nation of committing a “genocide” during the war in Gaza and calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The mayor has stated his zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism.
The rise in antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate crimes across the U.S. has placed the Jewish community on heightened alert as the High Holy Days approach. The holidays include Rosh Hashanah on September 11, Yom Kippur on September 20, and Sukkot on September 25.
New York City, home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, typically sees an increase in NYPD patrols around Jewish institutions during the High Holy Days, a practice also observed earlier this year during the holiday of Purim. "The NYPD will have a security briefing as we get closer to the holidays," an NYPD representative said. "And yes, in prior years, we have increased patrols during this time."
Governor Kathy Hochul has also pledged to enhance security for synagogues and Jewish communities across New York State. "If you need more money, if you need more protection, I will send the New York State Police here," Hochul stated, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. "We will fortify this place not only now but certainly ahead of the approaching High Holidays."
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, speaking at the Central Synagogue, assured that Jewish institutions in New York City "will not be left to protect themselves" against the escalating antisemitism. The Teach Coalition, a project of the Orthodox Union, serves communities in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, and Nevada.
