25 Years After 9/11, Synagogue Security Becomes Everyday Reality for U.S. Jews
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Jewish congregations nationwide are entering Rosh Hashanah amid heightened security measures that have become standard since the attacks.
As American Jews gather for Rosh Hashanah, the shadow of 9/11 is evident in the pervasive security presence at synagogues—from armed guards and surveillance cameras to bag checks. Eric Fingerhut of the Jewish Federations of North America notes that the attacks shifted the community’s perception of risk, leading to the creation of the Secure Community Network and coordinated links with federal law-enforcement. A national study estimates Jewish institutions now spend roughly $1 billion annually on protection, averaging about $2.8 million each day.
Training initiatives such as the Community Security Service have equipped over 20,000 volunteers in 2025, while the SCN logged thousands of threat reports and referrals. Hate-crime statistics show Jews, who make up about 2 % of the U.S. population, account for 14 % of religious hate crimes, with incidents rising in early 2026. Recent assaults on Central Synagogue in Manhattan and Temple Israel in Michigan reinforce the urgency of these measures, prompting local authorities in New York and New Jersey to coordinate additional security for the High Holidays.
Why it matters
Growing security costs and rising anti-Jewish hate crimes threaten the ability of U.S. Jews to practice their faith safely.
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