In 2022, incidents targeting the Jewish community in the United States reached a historic high, with 3,697 reported cases of assault, vandalism, and harassment, up 36% from the previous year. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) documented incidents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with New York, California, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas accounting for 54% of the total incidents. Texas saw a significant increase in incidents, with the number of incidents jumping from 39 to 211.

According to ADL President John Greenblatt, "This data confirms what Jewish communities across the country have felt and seen firsthand — and corresponds with the rise in antisemitic attitudes."

 

A report from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism found that religion-based hate crimes in major U.S. cities rose 27% in 2022, with anti-Jewish incidents accounting for 78% of the total, followed by anti-Muslim cases with an 8% share.

These incidents highlight the importance of taking proactive measures to improve the security and safety of the Jewish community in Texas. Conducting security and vulnerability site assessments for Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses, and social service providers is a key priority.

These assessments can identify potential vulnerabilities and help organizations take steps to address them, such as installing security cameras or strengthening access controls. Security site assessments should be routinly conducted every 24 months, and are provided by the Jewish Federation at no cost to our agency partners.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas (JFGD) Community Security Department, headed by Bill Humphrey, former Deputy Chief of Police, Dallas Police Department, offers a range of resources and services to help Jewish organizations in the Greater Dallas area strengthen their security measures and protect their constituents. These resources include access to a community-wide emergency communication system, training and readiness preparation, engagement with our law enforcement partners, and target hardening.

With the rise of hate crimes, particularly antisemitic incidents, it is essential to take concrete steps to assess and improve security measures. The safety and security of the Jewish community must be the top priority.

Click here now to request a security and threat assessment from our Department of Community Security.