US State Department Urges Enhanced Security for Jewish Sites Ahead of High Holidays

The US State Department has instructed its diplomatic missions worldwide to urge local governments to significantly increase security at synagogues, Jewish institutions, and holiday events ahead of the Jewish High Holidays (Tishrei). According to a directive cited by JNS, American diplomats have been told to request deployment of police, counterterrorism units, and even military forces at synagogues and prayer centers as needed.

The directive also calls for expanded protection beyond synagogues to include residential areas of Jewish communities and the routes worshippers take to reach prayer sites. This is due to the predictable times and paths taken by worshippers, some of whom wear identifiable Jewish attire. Missions were further asked to coordinate security briefings with local authorities, Jewish organizations, and businesses.

An unusual request in the memo is the establishment of a system to deliver immediate threat alerts during Shabbat and holidays to observant Jews who do not use electronic devices. A source familiar with the matter noted a similar directive was issued before Passover. The State Department declined to comment officially on the report.