Jewish communities increase security spending amid High Holiday preparations

As the Jewish High Holy Days approach, security concerns and community support efforts are intensifying across the United States. A study by the Jewish Federations of North America reveals that American Jewish communities spent over $1 billion on security in 2025, a 33% increase from the previous year. This record spending, averaging $225,000 per institution, is driven by rising threats, with FBI data indicating that Jews remain the most targeted religious group in the country.

In response to these threats, the NYPD has conducted security briefings for Brooklyn South to prepare for increased activity during Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. Synagogues in various regions, such as Portland, Oregon, are implementing layered security approaches, including emergency drills and strategic personnel positioning.

Simultaneously, community leaders are focusing on social support. New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently joined officials to open a new food pantry in Williamsburg to assist families ahead of the holidays. In Brooklyn, a visit by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to a Judaica store in Borough Park sparked local controversy; the store owner clarified that the mayor was not invited by the establishment and that staff were not involved in the gift-giving occurring during the visit.