New York City synagogues are bolstering security measures in response to a recent surge in antisemitic incidents, including a vehicle-ramming attack at Temple Israel in suburban Detroit last week. The increased vigilance comes as federal funding for synagogue security remains stalled due to a Department of Homeland Security shutdown, leaving many institutions scrambling to find resources to protect their congregations.
The attack on Temple Israel, where security guards were able to neutralize the assailant, highlighted the critical role of preparedness. However, that level of security is not typical. Many smaller synagogues lack the staffing and resources to maintain a consistent security presence. The incident, coupled with other recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in Manchester, England, Bondi Beach, Australia, and cities in California and Toronto, has created a heightened sense of alarm, according to officials at the Secure Community Network (SCN), a national Jewish-run nonprofit.
New York Program Offers Short-Term Relief
In New York City, a new program is offering some immediate relief. The “Short-Term Security Guard Reimbursement Program,” funded by the Community Security Initiative (CSI), the UJA-Federation of New York, and private donors, subsidizes the cost of adding security guards for Jewish institutions that currently have limited or no security personnel. The program covers additional labor costs for a four-week period, providing a temporary layer of protection during a particularly vulnerable time.
Mitchell Silber, CEO of CSI, explained that the program is a direct response to the escalating threat environment. “This time around, there is a new wrinkle in the messaging,” Silber said. “For the first time, the group recommends hiring armed security, in addition to securing entry points, strict entrance procedures and staff and volunteer training.” He added that the Detroit attack demonstrated the need for multiple armed guards, as a single guard can be quickly incapacitated, as happened in the Michigan incident.
Balancing Security and Welcoming Congregations
Rabbi Jonathan Leener of Prospect Heights Shul in Brooklyn said his synagogue is utilizing the new program, describing it as “incredibly generous and amazing.” However, he acknowledged the difficult balance between enhancing security and maintaining a welcoming environment. “It’s a really hard balance to strike,” Leener said. “As a rabbi, I see my number one responsibility as the safety of the community. That has to be non-negotiable. At the same time, a shul is a beit knesset, literally a house of gathering.”
Some synagogues are taking more drastic measures. The Altneu, a Modern Orthodox synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, announced it will limit attendance at upcoming Shabbat services to members only, citing the need to maintain clear visibility of everyone entering the building.
Federal Funding Freeze Adds to Concerns
The immediate security boost provided by programs like CSI’s is tempered by a larger concern: the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. This shutdown has frozen the review of applications for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides funding for security upgrades at synagogues, schools, and community centers. Applications, administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are on hold until Congress passes a new appropriations bill.
The funding freeze is creating significant financial strain for many institutions. Rabbi Leener expressed frustration with the political gridlock, stating, “It’s absurd that politics are interfering with much-needed funding for the Jewish community at such a critical time. Every minute the shutdown drags on increases the pressure on institutions already stretched thin.” The cost of hiring an armed guard for four weeks is approximately $3,200, according to Silber, rising to $14,400 for schools and $22,400 for JCCs.
Phylisa Wisdom, the executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, stated that “Mayor Mamdani knows that the safety of our neighbors and our houses of worship is non-negotiable.” She added that the Mamdani administration is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all religious institutions in the city, and that the NYPD has increased its visibility around Jewish centers.
Jacob Gold, president of the Fifth Avenue Synagogue on Manhattan’s East Side, noted that his congregation had already invested in security measures like cameras, bulletproof doors, and a lockdown mechanism in recent years. The Michigan attack prompted a simple change: security guards will now wear visible vests.
The situation underscores a growing recognition that enhanced security is no longer optional for Jewish institutions. Whereas some synagogues have already taken extensive precautions, the recent attacks and the ongoing political stalemate have heightened anxieties and spurred a renewed focus on protecting communities across the country.
The resolution of the Department of Homeland Security shutdown and the resumption of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program will be critical in providing long-term security solutions for Jewish institutions. Congress is expected to continue debate on the appropriations bill in the coming weeks.
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