# Security and funding surge for Jewish communities ahead of H

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/security-measures-for-jewish-communities-during-high-holiday
> Updated: 2026-09-08T16:59:49.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 3.

As the Jewish High Holy Days approach, security measures and community support efforts are intensifying across the United States. Following a U.S. State Department directive to increase protection for Jewish communities, institutions are implementing layered security strategies, including emergency drills and strategic personnel positioning, in cities ranging from Brooklyn to Portland, Oregon.

Financial investments in security have reached record levels. Data from the Jewish Federations of North America shows that American Jewish communities spent over $1 billion on security in 2025, a 33% increase from the previous year, averaging $225,000 per institution. This surge is driven by FBI data indicating that Jewish people remain the most targeted religious group in the country.

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the State Police and the Hate Crimes Task Force to conduct a surge in law enforcement presence at religious sites and Jewish neighborhoods. To support these efforts, the state is distributing a record $70 million through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program to 290 nonprofit organizations for upgrades such as surveillance, alarm systems, and cybersecurity. Since Hochul took office, over $201 million has been allocated to more than 2,000 security projects.

Regional coordination is also increasing, such as in Bergen County, New Jersey, where law enforcement, Homeland Security, and community leaders held briefings to emphasize vigilance. Alongside security, social support remains a priority; Governor Hochul recently assisted in opening a food pantry in Williamsburg to support families ahead of the holidays.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: New York increases security and funding for Jewish communities ahead of High Holidays

New York and New Jersey officials are boosting security and funding for Jewish communities ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to combat rising antisemitism and ensure public safety.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-increases-security-and-funding-for-jewish-communities-ahead-of-high-holidays

### 2026-09-03: Jewish communities increase security spending amid High Holiday preparations

U.S. Jewish communities are increasing security spending, exceeding $1 billion annually, as they prepare for the High Holy Days amid rising hate crime concerns and heightened NYPD vigilance.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-jewish-communities-increase-security-ahead-of-high-holidays

### 2026-08-26: U.S. State Department urges global security for Jewish communities

The U.S. State Department has urged global governments to increase security for Jewish communities and synagogues ahead of the High Holidays, citing concerns over antisemitic threats.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-state-department-urges-global-security-for-jewish-communities

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Cite as: Security and funding surge for Jewish communities ahead of H. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/security-measures-for-jewish-communities-during-high-holiday