Global Synagogues Face Unprecedented Physical Threats, Report Reveals
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A report by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism reveals a significant rise in physical threats against Jewish communities globally, with an increase in deadly attacks and arson targeting synagogues. The report, covering incidents from late 2023 to late 2026, notes a decrease in false threats but a rise in actual violence. It highlights patterns of arson, shootings, and assaults, with state actors and terrorist networks suspected of involvement. The Ministry called for increased government protection for Jewish institutions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Global synagogues face unprecedented physical threats, including arson, shootings, and assaults, according to a new report.
- The report details a shift from false threats to real dangers, with a rise in deadly antisemitic attacks worldwide.
- In 2025, 20 people were killed in four antisemitic attacks across three countries, many in Bondi Beach.
- The UK recorded a record 227 synagogue-related incidents in 2025, with 50 targeting worshippers.
- State actors and terrorist networks are suspected of involvement, potentially using hired local criminals.
- The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs urged governments to enhance protection for Jewish institutions.
A new report released by the National Bureau for the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism highlights a significant increase in physical threats against Jewish communities worldwide. The report, covering incidents from October 2023 to September 2026, indicates a shift from false threats to genuine dangers to human life. Findings are based on crime data, police reports, and monitoring organizations from the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, and Australia.
The report identifies recurring patterns including arson, firebombings, shootings at synagogues, vehicle ramming attempts, and assaults on worshippers outside religious sites. While the number of bomb threat hoaxes has decreased in the U.S. from 1,009 in 2023 to 59 in 2025, the severity of antisemitic attacks has escalated, with increased use of firearms and incendiary devices. In 2025 alone, 20 people were killed in four antisemitic attacks across three countries, with a significant number of these fatalities occurring in Bondi Beach.
In the U.S., despite a 33% overall decrease in antisemitic incidents to 6,274 in 2025, there was an increase in deadly weapon attacks, rising to 32 compared to 23 in 2024. The threat extends beyond property damage, impacting Jewish daily life, including travel to and from prayer services and community gatherings. In the UK, the Community Security Trust (CST) recorded a record 227 incidents related to synagogues in 2025, with 50 targeting individuals en route to or from services.
Analysis suggests attackers exploit predictable travel patterns and concentrate assaults around weekends and Jewish holidays, particularly Yom Kippur. Arson and firebombings are noted as prominent methods to damage synagogues, endanger worshippers, and destroy religious items. Repeated attacks on the same institutions are also documented, such as the Shaarei Torah community in Toronto, which faced ten incidents of vandalism and arson over the period.
The report suggests that alongside ideologically motivated individuals, terrorist networks and state actors, including Iran, may be involved by employing local criminal elements. Investigations into incidents in Montreal, Toronto, and Sydney are examining a pattern where local criminals are hired to carry out attacks, allowing the instigators to conceal their involvement. Avi Cohen-Scali, Director General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, called the findings "unacceptable" and a "serious warning sign" for sovereign nations, urging governments worldwide to enhance protection for Jewish institutions and prosecute those responsible.