How Antisemitism is Impacting Synagogues Like Mine

Like many American Jews, each morning I brace myself before checking the news on my phone. Another antisemitic attack. Another vandalized synagogue. It’s becoming routine—but it shouldn’t be. History painfully demonstrates that whenever conflict flares in the Middle East, Jewish communities worldwide become targets. But the intensity of open harassment, rising hate crimes, and normalization of antisemitic rhetoric since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas is unlike anything I’ve seen before. The escalation from aggressive anti-Israel protest to outright violence is a nationwide phenomenon. Recent high-profile cases include the murder of two individuals outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., and the killing of an 82-year-old woman in Colorado who was attacked with a firebomb.  Less widely reported was the man in California who was beaten unconscious by a group shouting “F— the Jews, Free Palestine.” Or, the 72-year-old man who was punched in the face by a group of young men yelling “Free Palestine.” Or the man who repeatedly targeted and assaulted Jewish victims at protests relating to the war in Gaza. This list could go on and on.  Each incident represents a dangerous point along a continuum—from rhetoric, to intimidation, to violence—and in every case, perpetrators justified their actions by claiming solidarity with Palestinians. However, these acts of anti-semitism do nothing to help Palestinians. Instead, they further distance us from the idea of two nations for two peoples, as well as the possibility of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Those who insist that Israel should not exist, and that Jews around the world should be punished for the actions of the Israeli government, move far beyond the realm of compromise, conciliation, and political discourse and, in effect, become pro-violence. This wave of antisemitism is creating palpable anxiety within Jewish communities. Increasingly, Jewish families find themselves making difficult choices: some have purchased firearms for protection; others are enrolling in self-defense classes, determined not to become victims. No community should feel compelled to arm itself just to survive. Yet across the country, securing Jewish institutions is no longer precautionary—it is essential. Synagogues and community centers have been forced to harden infrastructure, overhaul safety protocols, and reshape budgets just to maintain basic security. Federal nonprofit security grants help, but proposed funding levels remain dangerously inadequate. Still, we are not retreating. Synagogues are full. Jewish families are standing taller, not shrinking away. We teach our children to be proud, to be resilient, and to live with hope even amid rising fear. We know something fundamental has shifted—but we will face this moment with strength and open eyes. That said, we cannot confront this threat alone. After each attack, we hear heartfelt declarations of solidarity—statements of support, thoughts, and prayers. These gestures are meaningful, but passive concern will not protect us. What we need now is courage. If you must protest Israel’s policies, you are of course free to do so. But stay away from our synagogues, our schools, and our community centers. That’s not activism—that’s intimidation. If you are not Jewish but want to be an ally, here’s what that looks like: Check in. Speak up. Your Jewish neighbors feel increasingly vulnerable. If someone around you uses an antisemitic slur, confront it the same way you would any other form of bigotry. Your voice, especially as a non-Jewish ally, shows us we are not alone. Support increased security funding. Jewish organizations across the country have called on Congress to significantly expand funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which protects vulnerable religious communities of all faiths. Congress must act with urgency to meet this moment and ensure the safety of targeted communities nationwide. We also need the faith leaders, public officials, and allies who stood with us after Oct. 7 to stay with us now. We know there’s no shortage of hatred to confront in the world. But we are still here, and we are still hurting. To be sure, we must also condemn hate crimes against Palestinian Americans. Indeed, Jews have prayed for peace for generations—long before the modern State of Israel existed. We continue to pray for peace today, for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But real peace requires more than the absence of rockets or bombs. It requires safety, dignity, and the active resistance of those who refuse to normalize hate. Antisemitism cannot become America’s new normal. If we accept hatred today, we shouldn’t be surprised when violence returns tomorrow. Rabbi Brian Strauss is the senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Yeshurun in Houston, the largest Conservative synagogue in the United States.