Jewish schools and synagogues seek heightened police protection as High Holy Days approach
Jewish institutions across the United States are calling for increased police patrols ahead of the High Holy Days, citing a rise in antisemitic incidents.
Representatives of Jewish educational and religious institutions are pressing for more police presence during the upcoming High Holy Days, which begin on September 11 with Rosh Hashanah. The Teach Coalition, operating in seven states, highlighted that antisemitic hate crimes accounted for almost 63% of religion-based offenses in 2025, the third-highest level on record. New York City saw a 9.4% rise in such crimes through July, with over half targeting Jewish residents.
Critics have pointed to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s outspoken stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, though he asserts a zero-tolerance policy toward Jew hatred. The NYPD confirmed plans for a security briefing and increased patrols, while Governor Kathy Hochul promised state police support and funding for protection. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch assured that New York’s Jewish sites will not be left to defend themselves amid the heightened threat.
Why it matters
Rising antisemitic attacks threaten the safety of schools and worship places during a major religious period.
In this story
