I knelt in Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue several days after the attack. Six years ago this week.
It was still a crime scene. I felt the bullet holes in the walls. In the prayer books.
I remember the blood.
Several years before, a gunman ran through our New Jersey community’s streets, firing at law enforcement next to Jewish schools and buildings. Explosive devices were left in our cemetery and at a synagogue. People with bad intent came to our facilities.
As a Jewish Federation exec, I helped build a strong and successful community security platform. But that’s not enough for what we need.
As I step into my new role with the Community Security Service (CSS), the importance of this organization and the work we do feels more critical than ever. CSS, the National Jewish Defense and Security Agency, was founded with the mission to protect Jewish life and institutions across the United States, a mission that has grown even more essential as antisemitic incidents become alarmingly frequent. What was once an occasional, isolated threat has now become an unfortunate and constant reality for Jewish communities nationwide.
CSS has been preparing for this moment for nearly two decades, providing essential training to help our community members enhance security and situational awareness. We’re seeing the results of that preparation every day, and it’s clear that our work is a vital part of ensuring Jewish life can thrive safely in America. But recent incidents underscore just how urgent and pressing our work has become.
A new reality of threats
This past week alone, we witnessed horrific, targeted acts against Jewish individuals in two major American cities. In Chicago, a 39-year-old Jewish man walking to his synagogue on Shabbat was shot by an assailant shouting Allahu Akbar (“God is great in Arabic”). And in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y.—a vibrant, Chabad-centered Jewish community—a slashing attack sent shockwaves through the neighborhood. These aren’t isolated incidents; they reflect a disturbing trend of rising antisemitic attacks in public spaces where Jews have every right to feel safe.
We’re witnessing a surge in physical assaults, acts of vandalism, and harassment in cities and neighborhoods previously thought to be safe havens for Jewish life. This increase extends beyond physical spaces, with antisemitic rhetoric proliferating online and often spilling over into real-world violence. Our campuses, neighborhoods and institutions are all affected. Hatred of Jews has, in many ways, been normalized, with incidents so frequent that they are no longer considered shocking.
These attacks on individuals and communities, coupled with an increasingly hostile environment on social media and college campuses, are creating a new reality for Jewish Americans. Today, Jewish students face not just isolation but open hostility on campuses where antisemitic slogans and imagery have become commonplace. The once occasional antisemitic comment or act has grown into a dark cloud over Jewish spaces in America.
Fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility
When CSS was established nearly 20 years ago, the goal was to provide a self-reliant model of security and protection for Jewish communities. We envisioned a network where Jewish institutions would not only rely on police protection but also empower their members with the skills and knowledge to protect their own spaces. CSS has been training community members in everything from situational awareness to advanced security protocols, building a grassroots safety net that’s now essential.
That work isn’t just about physical security; it’s about fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. By providing training in de-escalation techniques, threat assessment and emergency response, CSS empowers Jews nationwide to feel a greater sense of control and readiness. We give people the tools to protect their friends, families and communities, which builds confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. This work is deeply rooted in a commitment to safeguarding Jewish life, allowing us to stand firm in our identity despite threats.
A shifting public response to antisemitism
When I got home from visiting the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, I saw a swift and united response: Americans across the country stood up against hate, and we saw support from all corners of society. But in recent years, public support and solidarity have waned. Antisemitism is now often met with silence, and what was once an unspeakable tragedy is, today, all too often just another headline.
This shift highlights a worrying change in societal tolerance. We have to recognize that as antisemitic incidents increase, so too does the normalization of such hate. That’s why CSS’ work is critical not only in providing physical security but also in ensuring that antisemitism never becomes a tolerated undercurrent in our society. CSS plays a crucial role in keeping these discussions at the forefront of community safety while promoting awareness and education among allies. So we have to work together to prevent Jewish communities from becoming isolated, unprotected and desensitized to these threats.
The urgency of community preparedness
As I take on my new responsibilities, my primary goal is to expand our reach and deepen our impact. CSS is committed to providing Jewish communities across the United States with the resources they need to stay safe. In the face of rising hate, we have to respond with resilience, solidarity and readiness.
To do this, we need more allies, more training, and more engagement from our communities. I urge every Jewish community member to take an active role in our work. We’ve created programs that provide critical skills, and we need more people willing to participate. Protecting our communities –your community—is not just the responsibility of a few; it’s a collective effort that demands everyone’s involvement. Your community needs you.
At CSS, we’re dedicated to responding to the current climate of antisemitism with comprehensive training, strategic planning and real-time support. While the challenges are steep, I’m inspired by the commitment of our staff, trainers and volunteers. Our training programs reach thousands of individuals every year, and we’re expanding to include more areas and increase our impact nationwide.
Looking forward: A collective stand against hate
The recent attacks and the rising tide of antisemitism underscore why our work is essential, but they also show us the importance of resilience. Jewish communities in America have withstood challenges before, and we’ll continue to stand strong, united and proud. Today, it’s more crucial than ever that we equip ourselves to face these threats—not only for our safety but to safeguard the very values that define our communities: unity, perseverance and hope.
My journey from Federation to CSS reflects a deep-rooted commitment to these values. Protecting Jewish life is both a personal and professional responsibility for me, as it is for everyone at CSS. We’re prepared and trained to protect our people and our community.
So join our efforts, participate in our training programs, and together, let’s make it clear that while hate may rise, it will never define us or defeat us. CSS will continue to serve as a beacon of safety, resilience and hope, ensuring that Jewish life in America remains secure and vibrant for generations to come.
Source: JNS