World News
Synagogues increase security for High Holy Days amid elevated hate crime figures
Institutions expand safety measures across the country despite authorities finding no specific local threats.
Latest update: FBI figures revealed 1,528 anti-Jewish hate crime incidents in 2025, accounting for 63% of the nation's religiously motivated incidents.
The short version
- Jewish communities across the United States are bolstering security ahead of the High Holy Days, spending an estimated $1 billion each year on protective measures.[Fox News]
- Data reveals heightened tension, with the FBI documenting 1,528 anti-Jewish hate crime incidents in 2025, representing 63% of all religion-motivated incidents nationwide.[Fox News]
- In New York City, police confirmed antisemitic hate crimes rose 9% over the first eight months of the year, though officials state there are no active, credible threats.[Fox News]
- Communities are simultaneously navigating internal divisions, with a survey showing around 3 in 10 U.S. Jews say Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians.[Associated Press]
Key facts
- Jewish communal institutions across North America spend an estimated $1 billion every year on security, according to the Jewish Federations of North America.[Fox News]
- The FBI documented 1,528 hate crime incidents targeting Jewish victims in 2025, comprising 63% of the 2,408 recorded religiously motivated incidents in the country.[Fox News]
- New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that citywide confirmed hate crimes rose 16% and antisemitic crimes increased 9% during the first eight months of the year.[Fox News]
- An Associated Press-NORC Center poll found about 3 in 10 U.S. Jews believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- Authorities in New York City have confirmed there are currently no specific or credible threats against High Holy Day gatherings, leaving the immediate risk level to services unclear.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- US Jews feel ‘precarious’ as High Holy Days approach amid antisemitism fears and internal divisionsAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press
- Mamdani, NYPD give security update ahead of Jewish High Holy Days, 9/11 25th anniversaryFox News - US News
- How 9/11 transformed synagogue security into a new reality for the Jewish communityFox News