Jewish War Veterans Calls for Enhanced Security at Jewish Institutions Ahead of the High Holy Days
As Jewish communities across the United States prepare to observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is calling on federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to work closely with synagogues and Jewish institutions to ensure that Jewish Americans can worship safely and without fear.
The call comes amid continuing concerns about antisemitic threats and violence and follows an alleged attack during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan on August 14th.
“No American should be in fear of entering a house of worship,” said JWV National Commander Selina Kanowitz. “As Jewish families prepare to gather for the High Holy Days, government at every level has a responsibility to ensure that our synagogues, congregations, and community institutions have the protection and support they need.”
JWV urges law enforcement agencies across the country to coordinate proactively with Jewish institutions in their communities, maintain an appropriate visible presence around synagogues during High Holy Day services, share relevant threat information with community security professionals, and respond swiftly to threats, harassment, vandalism, and violence directed at religious institutions.
“For 130 years, Jewish veterans have served and sacrificed in defense of this nation and the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution, including the fundamental freedom to practice one’s faith,” Kanowitz said. “The right to worship freely cannot exist only on paper. Jewish Americans must be able to walk into a synagogue on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Shabbat, or any other day without intimidation or fear of violence.”
JWV also expresses its appreciation to the law enforcement officers, first responders, and security professionals who work throughout the year to protect Jewish communities and other houses of worship. JWV encourages synagogues and Jewish institutions to maintain close communication with their local law enforcement partners as the High Holy Days approach.
The responsibility to protect religious freedom, Kanowitz emphasized, extends far beyond the Jewish community.
“Antisemitic violence is not solely a threat to Jews,” Kanowitz said. “An attack on Americans because of how they worship is an attack on the religious liberty of every American. Protecting that freedom should unite us across religious and political lines.”
As an organization of veterans who have served in defense of the United States and its Constitution, JWV believes Americans should never have to choose between practicing their faith openly and feeling safe in their own communities.
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About Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.
Founded in 1896 by Jewish Civil War veterans in response to false claims that Jews had not served their country, the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. is the nation’s oldest active veterans service organization. For 130 years, JWV has advocated for all of America’s veterans, defended the honor and contributions of Jewish members of the U.S. Armed Forces, fought antisemitism, and championed the democratic values and religious freedoms that American veterans have served to protect
