Federal law enforcement, led by FBI Director Christopher Wray, is actively monitoring potential threats to the US Jewish community ahead of the Passover holiday. Wray expressed concern about lone actors targeting large gatherings, high profile events, or religious locations for violence, particularly as Passover approached. He noted that threats to the US Jewish community had already been elevated before a terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel in October, leading to a significant increase in hate crime investigations by the FBI.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Secure Community Network, Wray highlighted the alarming rise in anti-Jewish hate crime investigations following the Hamas attack on Israel. He emphasized the very real threats faced by Jewish institutions, houses of worship, schools, and individuals simply for being who they are. An Anti-Defamation League audit revealed a dramatic uptick in incidents after the Israel-Hamas conflict, with over 5,000 incidents reported between October 7 and December 31, 2023. This marked the highest number of incidents reported since the organization began tracking data in 1979.
Wray also warned of a surge in homegrown violence, hoax threats against Jewish facilities, and a range of threats from abroad, particularly from global terrorist organizations. These organizations have called for attacks against Jewish communities in the United States and Europe. Additionally, he highlighted the threat posed by state-sponsored entities, specifically mentioning Iran. After Iran conducted a missile and drone attack on Israel in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Syria, the FBI is urging vigilance against potential threats from Iran or its proxies, both overseas and within the United States.
In light of these threats, Wray emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and urged partners around the world to remain on high alert. The FBI is actively monitoring the situation and working to address any emerging threats from Iran or its proxies. The call to action comes amidst growing concerns about the safety of Jewish communities and the need for enhanced security measures. By working together with security officials and community leaders, federal law enforcement aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the US Jewish community during the Passover holiday and beyond.
