Synagogues across the world are in danger, org. tells Netanyahu in emergency letter

Synagogues around the world are vulnerable to attacks and need Israel to help protect them, the World Organization of Orthodox Communities and Synagogues said in a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli on Wednesday.

The organization urged the Israeli government to engage in diplomatic efforts with friends and partners worldwide, emphasizing the need to raise global awareness about the increasing dangers faced by Jewish houses of worship. The group also stressed the need to increase Jews’ awareness of the danger.

Security must be increased at synagogues in the Diaspora by promoting cooperation with local security forces, said the group, which also expressed willingness to contribute to the hiring of guards.

Fertile ground for terror

As part of guaranteeing the safety of synagogues, the group also called for states to increase punishment for harming holy sites.

The World Organization of Orthodox Communities and Synagogues cited recent incidents in Dagestan and California as examples of how Jewish sites have been targeted by extremists since October 7, noting that antisemites have opened a new front in the Israel-Hamas war by targeting Jewish communities.

“Synagogues and holy places around the world are fertile ground for terrorist organizations. They can act in a targeted manner against Jews, which puts those who come to pray at their gates in real danger,” said the organization. “We urge you to act immediately to protect and preserve the synagogues in the Diaspora before it is too late.”

On Sunday, two synagogues were attacked, along with two churches, in Makhachkala and Derbent. The Kele-Numaz Synagogue in Derbent was all but destroyed by gunmen who set it on fire.

On the same day, protests against an Israeli real estate event at the Adas Torah synagogue in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles evolved into a riot. Jewish community members faced beatings and bear mace sprays as fighting erupted. Confrontations spread into the rest of the neighborhood, and activists attempted to vandalize at least one kosher restaurant.

“Synagogues around the world are the center of Jewish existence in the Diaspora and continue the Jewish people’s chain of generations throughout history,” said the letter. “In many cases, the synagogues serve as the centers of the local Jewish community and provide an education and study center for future generations.”