American Jews Face Record Number of Antisemitic Hate Crimes During High Holy Days and Oct. 7 Anniversary

The Jewish community in America is facing a surge in antisemitic hate crimes as they prepare to observe the High Holy Days and mark the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. This rise in hate crimes, coupled with escalating military conflicts in the Middle East and inflammatory rhetoric in the presidential election, is creating more anxiety in Jewish communities.

According to a report by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, antisemitic hate crimes reported to police across 20 major cities in 2023 rose by 48% from the previous year. Jewish-targeted hate crimes were the most frequent bias attacks in the largest U.S. cities, with a total of 709 attacks recorded in 2023.

Synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers across the country are on high alert due to threats of violence. The confluence of the High Holy Days and the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks has created a challenging moment for rabbis ministering to their congregations.

Despite the challenges, Jewish leaders are urging the community to lean into their identity, pride, and joy. They emphasize the importance of building resilience, making coalitions with allies, and working to protect American democracy in the face of rising anxiety and threats.

As the Jewish community prepares to observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, they are standing strong in the face of adversity and reaffirming their commitment to their faith and values.