The recent escalation of antisemitic violence in various parts of the world has left many American Jews reevaluating their day-to-day behavior and security concerns. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, individuals within the Jewish community have reported significant changes in their lifestyles as a means of coping with heightened fears.
### Heightened Awareness and Changes in Behavior
In the wake of the recent surge in antisemitism, many Jewish families are making difficult decisions around displays of their faith. Lindsey Liss, a mother of four living in Chicago, expressed her worries recently, advising her 17-year-old daughter against wearing her Star of David necklace while traveling in Europe. “There’s no reason to make yourself a target,” Liss stated, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many in the community as they navigate an increasingly hostile environment.
Diane Rosenthal, who lost two brothers in the 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, shared her altered perspective during social gatherings. “I look for the exit doors,” she elaborated, highlighting how such vigilant thoughts overshadow what should be joyful occasions, like graduations.
### Security Measures in Places of Worship
The atmosphere of fear has influenced clergy and leaders within the Jewish community as well. Rabbi Shimon Dudai, who leads the Congregation B’nai Zion in Key West, Florida, has taken the precaution of keeping a nine-millimeter pistol nearby during services. At 84 years old, he remarked, “I don’t want to come to a holy space like this, a sanctuary, holding a gun.” However, he emphasized his responsibility to protect his congregation, showcasing the difficult balance between faith and security.
Joseph Landsberg, security director for the Boca Raton Synagogue in Florida, acknowledged that many synagogues are planning additional security measures following a recent knife attack in London. “It’s not a matter of if, but when,” Landsberg conveyed, indicating a prevailing sense of dread regarding potential future attacks. Numerous congregations are now holding emergency meetings and increasing security protocols with alarming regularity.
### Psychological Impact of Rising Antisemitism
A recent survey conducted by the American Jewish Committee revealed that over half of American Jews have altered their behavior due to concerns about rising antisemitism. High-profile incidents of violence, including attacks on public figures and locations significant to the Jewish community, have exacerbated these fears.
Leah C. Hibel, a human development professor at the University of California, Davis, commented on the psychological toll this climate of fear has taken on the community. She found that not only have fears about antisemitism led to behavioral changes, but they also contribute to increased anxiety and symptoms of depression within Jewish populations. Hibel observed that fear levels tend to spike following violent incidents, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety that has not resolved since the attacks.
### Community Responses
The realities of security have reshaped Jewish life in countless ways. Marc Hanfling, the chief of security at a synagogue in Edison, New Jersey, described significant measures taken to ensure safety, including armed guards, bulletproof windows, and more stringent entry screenings for congregants. Many congregants are now accustomed to receiving warnings about staying vigilant in their neighborhoods, especially following events that draw attention to antisemitic violence.
Moreover, the societal implications of these fears are also pervasive. Community leaders express that the financial and emotional “tax” incurred by these growing concerns is detrimental. Carole Zawatsky, CEO of the Tree of Life, described this phenomenon, underscoring the lasting impact of heightened security measures on young Jews growing up in a world where fear often overshadows faith.
### A Broader Reflection on Society
The heightened awareness surrounding antisemitism is not only confined to localized incidents; it is a reflection of broader societal issues affecting the Jewish community worldwide. Mayor Mark J. Schwartz of Teaneck, New Jersey, recounted a recent experience in Paris where he hesitated to wear his yarmulke, an item he has historically worn with pride. “I’m embarrassed that I have a baseball hat here in my jacket, just in case,” Schwartz admitted, reflecting a sentiment that accompanies fear wherever Jewish identities manifest in public spaces.
In Harlem, Beejhy Barhany, owner of Tsion Cafe, has also been significantly impacted. Following years of harassment, a series of threats forced her to modify her business practices, limiting public accessibility to ensure safety. “We should feel safe enough that I don’t need to look behind my back every time,” Barhany noted, emphasizing a desire for normalcy amidst pervasive fear.
As American Jews navigate this new reality, they face the daily challenge of balancing their identity with the necessity for vigilance, reshaping what should be an inclusive and peaceful practice into a cautious endeavor marked by ongoing concern. The dynamics of religious observance, community life, and personal safety continue to evolve in response to a troubling and persistent wave of antisemitism.
Source: Original Reporting
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