In the lead-up to the Jewish High Holy Days, which start on September 11, marking 25 years since the 2001 terror attacks, authorities throughout the United States are being encouraged to enhance police presence around Jewish schools and synagogues.
“Every Jewish child should have a safe place to learn, and everyone deserves to be able to worship without fear,” stated Sydney Altfield, CEO of the Teach Coalition, a group based in New York that operates in seven states.
“Jewish day schools and places of worship are increasingly being targeted.”
According to an analysis from the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic hate crimes made up nearly 63% of religion-based hate crimes in 2025, which is the third highest count of anti-Jewish hate crimes recorded in federal data.
In New York City, hate crimes rose by 9.4% through July this year compared to the same timeframe in 2025, with more than half of these incidents directed at Jewish residents, even as other crime rates, like murders and shootings, have dramatically declined, according to the NYPD.
Some Jewish leaders have pointed fingers at Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is openly critical of Israel and has accused it of committing “genocide” during the conflict in Gaza, even calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Nevertheless, the mayor has emphasized his firm stance against antisemitism.
The rising tide of antisemitic sentiments and crimes has left the Jewish community feeling anxious as the Holy Days approach.
These traditional holidays often come with increased security concerns, a fact that weighs heavier this year since Rosh Hashanah coincides with the somber anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
The Jewish High Holy Days consist of Rosh Hashanah on September 11, Yom Kippur on September 20, and Sukkot on September 25.
New York City has the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.
Teach Coalition, part of the Orthodox Union, operates across seven states, including New York, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, and Nevada.
Typically, the NYPD increases patrols around Jewish organizations during these significant holidays; this was also the case during Purim earlier this year.
“The NYPD will have a security briefing as we approach the holidays,” an NYPD representative informed The Post on Sunday. “In previous years, we have heightened patrols during this period.”
Governor Kathy Hochul, while at Central Synagogue in Manhattan last Friday, promised to enhance security for synagogues and Jewish communities statewide ahead of the High Holy Days.
She mentioned her willingness to provide more resources for safety, especially after a recent antisemitic attack occurred at a place of worship.
“If you need more funding or protection, I will dispatch the New York State Police here,” Hochul stated, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. “We will ensure this place is fortified, not just now, but definitely as the High Holidays approach.”
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, speaking at Central Synagogue on August 21, assured that Jewish institutions across New York City would not be left to fend for themselves amidst growing antisemitism.
