Jewish Communities Worldwide Spend $1 Billion on Security Amid Rising Antisemitism

Jewish communities across the globe are spending an unprecedented $1 billion annually on security measures, a figure that highlights the escalating threat of antisemitism. In the United States alone, over $1 billion was allocated in 2025 to protect approximately 4,500 synagogues, schools, community centers, and summer camps, marking a 33% increase from 2024. This substantial expenditure, which includes increased police presence, barriers, and armed guards, is necessary for immediate safety but is not a sustainable solution for Jewish existence.

The article argues that while security personnel and measures save lives, they do not address the root causes of antisemitism. The author criticizes Western nations for accepting this reality, noting similar situations in the UK following a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue. Security is framed as a bandage, a necessary defense against the consequences of hate, rather than a cure for the societal conditions that foster it.

The pervasive need for security instills fear in Jewish children, normalizing the presence of guards as a part of daily life and suggesting that Jewish identity requires constant protection. This environment can lead to self-censorship and a reluctance to openly express Jewishness. The author contends that the true measure of success against antisemitism is not the ability to shield Jews behind fences, but to cultivate a generation that does not believe such measures are necessary.

Beyond physical security, the piece calls for mandatory, systematic, and ongoing investment in education against antisemitism. This includes teaching young people about the development and normalization of Jew-hatred and its potential consequences, with educational visits to historical sites like Auschwitz being crucial for fostering civic responsibility. While Israel serves as a national home and a place of refuge, the article cautions against presenting aliyah (immigration to Israel) as the sole answer to antisemitism for Jews worldwide.

Finally, the article emphasizes that the threats faced by Jewish communities abroad should be as concerning to Israelis as threats to Israel itself, especially in the wake of the October 7th attacks which fostered a sense of global Jewish unity. Despite the rise in antisemitism, recent surveys indicate a strengthening of Jewish identity and increased engagement in Jewish life among American Jews, suggesting a resilient spirit that requires continued solidarity and support from Israel and the broader Jewish world.