דלג לתוכן הראשי

Community Defense

Across the world—from London to Los Angeles, from Paris to New York—Jewish communities are facing the most severe wave of antisemitism in decades. Since October 7, 2023, these threats have escalated from online abuse and vandalism to coordinated street harassment, attempted synagogue infiltrations, firebomb attacks, and mob-style intimidation campaigns. The rise of enemy-aligned protests that glorify terrorism and call for Israel’s destruction has put every visible Jewish community at increased risk. In this environment, community defense is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

Community defense is about proactive organization, situational awareness, and unified response. It does not replace police or governmental responsibility—but it acknowledges the painful reality that these institutions often arrive late, act slowly, or ignore the threat altogether. Jewish safety must begin within the Jewish community.

Forming a Community Security Network​

Every Jewish neighborhood, congregation, and cultural center must begin building its own internal defense framework. This includes:

  • Establishing a community security team composed of trained volunteers who monitor events, report threats, and support emergency protocols.
  • Assigning clear roles: communication coordinator, emergency response lead, medical aid liaison, and legal observer.
  • Using encrypted apps and group chats (Signal, Telegram) to circulate alerts, verify information, and communicate during emergencies.
  • Conducting routine safety drills—including lockdowns, evacuations, and shelter-in-place simulations for schools and synagogues.

Security teams should work in collaboration with professional Jewish protection groups where available, such as the Community Security Service (CSS) in the U.S., Shomrim in the UK, or Magen in Israel and Europe.

Surveillance and Situational Control​

Install shared surveillance infrastructure in Jewish neighborhoods, including exterior cameras covering communal spaces, sidewalks, and entry points. Ensure all security cameras are registered with a central system so footage can be quickly shared with law enforcement when needed.

Community watch volunteers should conduct routine patrols—especially during times of increased tension (e.g., after IDF operations, during Jewish holidays, or when enemy rallies are nearby). Patrols should be visible, calm, and trained to observe and report, not confront.

Psychological Resilience and Preparedness​

Defense is not only physical—it is mental. Terror tactics rely on fear, demoralization, and social isolation. A strong community is one that does not hide. Maintain regular Jewish life. Fill synagogues. Celebrate holidays publicly. Sing, speak Hebrew, and wave the Israeli flag—but do it strategically and in solidarity.

Create internal support networks to care for individuals experiencing trauma, harassment, or fear. No one should go through this alone.

Document every threat. Record video evidence. Save screenshots of hate speech and threats. Report incidents to law enforcement—but also to national and international watchdogs monitoring antisemitism. If local authorities fail to act, go public—with facts, footage, and courage.

Designate a media liaison within your community who can speak to journalists or release statements after incidents. Never let a lie go unanswered.

Final Note​

The Jewish people have never relied on others for their safety—and we will not start now. From Warsaw to Sderot, our history is one of resistance, unity, and self-defense. Today, our synagogues, homes, and streets must be protected with the same resolve. When we defend each other, we defend our future. Community defense is not simply about security—it is about Jewish survival, dignity, and strength in the face of hatred.