U.S. Jewish Communities Face Heightened Antisemitism Threats as High Holy Days Near

Rabbis across the United States report that congregants are “extremely precarious” as the High Holy Days approach. The period begins with Rosh Hashana at sundown on Friday and continues through Yom Kippur a week later, prompting many Jews to weigh celebration against fears of violence. Leaders say the sense of vulnerability stems from a surge in antisemitic threats that originate from a broad spectrum of actors, including foreign proxies and domestic extremist groups.

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Violent incidents this year have included an August assault on a Manhattan synagogue, a March truck-ramming at a temple in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and a January arson attack on a synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi. Simultaneously, internal divisions over Israel’s policies are deepening. A recent Associated Press-NORC survey found that roughly three-in-ten U.S. Jews believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians. Rabbis note that older generations often hold different views on Israel than younger members, creating “a grave danger of schism” within the community.

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Michael Masters, national director and CEO of the Secure Community Network (SCN), emphasizes preparation over hope, urging training for individual members and broader engagement. He warns that the “threat environment” is amplified by Middle-East events but remains fundamentally rooted in longstanding hatred of Jews. Rabbi David Ingber of Romemu stresses the need for spaces where divergent opinions can be expressed without fracturing communal bonds. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, describes the dual reality of genuine fear and the desire to experience the “beauty and possibility” of the holidays.

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Jewish organizations have appealed to Congress for a $1 billion increase—triple the current allocation—to bolster security for houses of worship and related nonprofits. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which grew from $10 million in 2004 to $300 million in 2026, funded only 20 % of more than 8,000 applicants last year, highlighting a gap between demand and resources.

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• “Jews feel extremely precarious right now,” — Rabbi David Ingber

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• “It's about preparation, training individual members of the community, getting everyone engaged.” — Michael Masters

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• “Parents and grandparents may have one view of Israel. Their children may have very different ideas.” — Rabbi Rick Jacobs

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