Israel warns of rising synagogue threats
A new report finds that while false alarms have dropped, physical attacks on Jewish communities have become more deadly.
By Austin Reed ·
The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs issued a warning to Jewish communities abroad on Thursday, citing a rise in lethal attacks on synagogues. The report was released ahead of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Officials stated that the threat is shifting from buildings to the daily practices of Jewish life, such as traveling to services and gathering in groups.
The data reveals a distinct trend in the United States. Bomb threats against synagogues dropped from 1,009 in 2023 to 59 in 2025. However, the lethality of attacks increased over that same period. In 2025, there were 32 attacks involving lethal weapons, up from 23 in 2024. The total number of antisemitic incidents in the US fell by 33% to 6,274, but the report argues that assessments must weigh the potential for loss of life rather than just counting incidents.
Similar patterns appear in other regions. In Britain, a record 227 synagogue-related incidents were recorded in 2025. Fifty of those targeted worshippers traveling to or from services. The report also highlights repeated attacks on specific institutions. Toronto's Shaarei Torah community was targeted 10 times during the period, with incidents including vandalism and arson.
Arson and Molotov cocktails are identified as prominent methods. Gunfire and vehicle ramming are also common. The report notes that the threat is no longer limited to the buildings themselves. It now includes the physical act of worship and the movement of people to and from prayer services.
Avi Cohen-Skali, the Director-General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, described the findings as a serious warning sign. He called on governments and law enforcement to strengthen protection for Jewish institutions. He urged officials to prevent incidents and bring those responsible to justice. The ministry will continue to share threat information with authorities.
The report identifies lone attackers driven by ideology as a primary threat. It also points to suspected involvement by terrorist networks and state actors, including Iran. Investigators in Montreal, Toronto, and Sydney have examined a pattern where local criminals are paid to carry out attacks. This method allows the groups commissioning the operations to conceal their direct involvement.
The ministry emphasized that false threats and remote harassment have declined. Yet the physical danger has increased. The report urges sovereign states to account for the severity of these attacks in their security planning. It states that the risk to worshippers is growing as the methods of attack become more violent.
