With anti-Semitism spreading across the country, threats to New Jersey synagogues have become increasingly common. In 2021 alone, the Anti-Defamation League recorded 370 anti-Semitic incidents in the State of New Jersey compared to 2,717 accounts of anti-Semitism across the country, representing a 34 percent increase from the prior year.
Fortunately, the Federal Bureau of Investigation uncovered the most recent November threats. One was intercepted online after being shared via social media, and included inflammatory language about relations between Jews and Muslims. We thank the FBI for taking these threats seriously and for the timely notification of synagogues across the state to take proper security precautions and to exercise caution to protect their communities and facilities.
Violence or threats against any individual or community should not be tolerated. Everyone should feel safe in their houses of worship, and we will ensure that your right is protected to the fullest extent possible under the law. In the meantime, it is imperative that if you see something, you need to say something. If you wish to report an instance of anti-Semitism, please visit the Anti-Defamation League website. However, in an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. We encourage everyone to speak up against such hatred and stand up for the Jewish community.