For the leaders of Jewish institutions, the recent attack in Boulder, Colorado and Washington, DC serve as stark reminders of their ongoing responsibility to maintain vigilance, even amid years of enhanced security efforts to protect their communities.
In light of recent events, there is an urgent call for support; dozens of individuals were injured during a protest in Boulder that aimed to demand the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza last Sunday. Additionally, just a week prior, two staff members from the Israeli embassy were tragically shot outside the Jewish Museum in Washington.
In response to the shooting, 43 Jewish organizations collectively urged the US government for additional support to bolster security measures. They specifically requested Congress to increase funding for the nonprofit security grant program to a total of $1 billion.
“Jewish organizations have prioritized safety for many years, and we must continue to do so,” stated Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Reform Jewish Union. “This funding is aimed at reinforcing structures against potential threats, such as enhancing surveillance with cameras and securing glass fixtures.”
“This is the harsh reality for American Jews in the 21st century. It’s a distressing truth, yet providing safety is a fundamental responsibility of our leadership,” he added.
Silahat, executive vice president of the Jewish Federation in North America, expressed concerns that current federal funding is inadequate, noting that only 43% of applicants received assistance last year.
Reflecting on the Boulder attack, she emphasized the importance of increasing funding for local law enforcement as well. “Fortunately, the attack was halted before further damage could occur,” she said. “This situation constitutes a genuine crisis, and we must ensure that we secure all necessary support.”
Jewishcolorado, an affiliate of the Jewish Federation, initiated an emergency fund on Tuesday, aiming to raise $160,000 to aid the Boulder community. The objectives include fortifying the safety and security protocols for Jewish institutions and events.
Vicki Gottlieb, on the left of Greeley, Colorado, joined her husband Troy for the victims of the attack outside Boulder County, Colorado, on Monday, June 2, 2025 (AP Photo/David Zalbowski)
Strengthening Alliances and Seeking Solutions
The leader of the Jewish Federation in Los Angeles urged collaboration among governments, businesses, and charities to “revitalize alliances, foster mutual understanding, dispel conspiracy theories, and offer timely responses when communities are threatened.”
“Jews here in Los Angeles are frightened, but they are resolute,” remarked Rabbi Noah Farcus, president of the federation. “More community meetings won’t suffice. We need tangible outcomes and hope to engage further with our local government and law enforcement partners.”
Security expenses at 63 Jewish day schools have surged by an average of 84% since the Israel-Hamas conflict commenced on October 7, 2023, as reported by the Teach Coalition, the advocacy division of the Orthodox Union.
The coalition advocates for increased state and federal security funding for Jewish schools, camps, and synagogues.
The attacks in Washington and Boulder have intensified this urgency, according to National Director Sydney Altfield.
“Some may perceive this as an isolated incident, whether in Colorado or DC,” she stated. “However, we must acknowledge that such events could happen anywhere. … It’s crucial that we ensure our most vulnerable children are protected to the fullest extent possible.”
In Florida, Rabbi Jason Rosenberg of Beth Am Congregation noted that members of the Tampa Bay area Reform congregation are “very anxious right now, and additional security measures could help to ease some of their concerns.”
He added, “There’s a prevalent notion that these attacks are not isolated events, but rather a culmination of years of anti-Semitic rhetoric we’ve encountered in society.”
Yet, he also emphasized the need for resilience as a message of hope within his community.
“We cannot let fear define our existence. … We must continue our practices, gather at the synagogue, and fulfill our commitments. It’s our duty to bring holiness into our lives and into the world, and such fear cannot deter us from our sacred work,” he insisted.
Concerns Over Internal and External Security
Rabbi Jacobs of the Reform Jewish community emphasized that recent attacks in Washington and Boulder highlight the necessity for new security approaches.
“Yaron Lisinsky and Sarah Milgrim were tragically killed outside an event at the DC Jewish Museum,” he noted.
“This presents a different kind of challenge to law enforcement and security agencies; you cannot solely focus on who’s entering. You must also consider those who may be lurking outside.
The Boulder attack took place during a “peaceful demonstration” advocating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, he explained.
“It’s imperative to address what could transpire within our agencies… and work collaboratively with law enforcement on what may happen externally,” he asserted.
Jacobs recalled his discomfort when Christian leaders visited a Reform synagogue recently, expressing surprise at their security protocols.
“I asked, ‘What do you implement in your church?’ to which he replied, ‘We aim to welcome everyone.’ I responded, ‘We don’t have that luxury, or else people would stop attending.’
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Associated Press reporter Tiffany Stanley contributed to this report.
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Source: apnews.com