Threats of Violence Increase Against Synagogues 1

Threats of Violence Increase Against Synagogues

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), there were a record 3,697 anti-Semitic incidents reported in the United States in 2022. This amounts to 10 incidents per day and is a 36 percent increase over 2021, which was a record number that year. The number of incidents was the highest since record-keeping on anti-Semitic incidents began in 1979. Incidents were reported in every state, and there were increases in each major category, including harassment, vandalism of synagogues, and assault.

The regional director of the ADL partly attributes this increase to social media, which gives fringe groups a bigger soapbox to spread incendiary rhetoric. In response, security has been increased around synagogues and Jewish schools nationwide. According to the Family Research Council, Christian churches have also experienced a recent uptick in vandalism, arson, gun-related incidents, bomb threats, and interruption of worship services.

Beginning in July 2023, Forensic Security & Protection, LLC will be offering consultation in the tactics and techniques of responding to violence within houses of worship.