Jewish communities across the United States are enhancing their security and emergency preparedness as Rosh Hashanah and other High Holidays approach.
In collaboration with the U.S.-based Community Security Service, Israel’s Magen David Adom, which is an emergency medical service, is conducting training sessions for security volunteers at synagogues nationwide. Aryeh Myers, a senior paramedic, noted that community members are increasingly anxious about a growing trend of antisemitism.
“There’s a palpable sense of concern that these attacks feel more like a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if,'” Myers expressed in an interview.
Myers has been leading First 7 Minutes training sessions, which educate volunteers on how to react in the crucial minutes following an attack, prior to the arrival of first responders. These sessions cover topics like first aid, effective communication with emergency personnel, and ways to support responders once they arrive on the scene.
He added, “We specialize in responses to mass casualty events. Our experience spans everything from childbirth to terror attacks and war scenarios.” The unique advantage that Magen David Adom offers comes from its extensive experience in managing multiple mass casualty incidents, allowing the organization to learn and adapt from these events.
Globally, Jewish communities are experiencing a rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly after the terror attacks in Israel on October 7. Many U.S. universities have become focal points for anti-Israel demonstrations that often morph into antisemitic confrontations during the ongoing conflict involving Hamas in Gaza.
A startling report by the Anti-Defamation League reveals alarming levels of antisemitism within teachers’ unions, highlighting that many Jewish educators feel unsafe. The survey indicated that an overwhelming number of Jewish teachers reported self-censorship out of fear regarding how their concerns about antisemitism would be perceived by their unions.
“This isn’t just the result of a few bad actors; it reflects a deeper structural and cultural failure,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. He emphasized that Jewish educators should feel secure and protected in their work environments, yet many are silenced by the fear of repercussions.
Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition, expressed concerns about the report, emphasizing that unions are supposed to support and protect all educators. Altfield remarked, “It’s striking to see that these unions, meant to be inclusive, aren’t fulfilling that role.” The report noted that about 70% of respondents indicated that voicing concerns about the treatment of Jews in union settings could result in negative consequences for their reputations or careers.
