Steven Zimmerman, Reporter, New Mexico/Israel

The American Jewish Committee, a prominent advocacy organization, conducted the survey last fall just as the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7. The number of American Jews who say they feel less secure in the U.S. jumped 22% from last year’s survey.

“This year’s study shows us very clearly that antisemitism that was really just a simmering flame is now, especially since Oct. 7, a five-alarm fire,” Ted Deutch, CEO of AJC, told The Associated Press.

No matter where we live in the world, it is not an easy time for any of us. There is fear and worry about what may come. There are whispers as we walk by strangers in shopping malls. There’s increased security at many Shuls across the world.

“There are so few of us in our town here,” says Moshe, “lots of us simply keep our Jewishness hidden.”

Many Jews feel like Moshe. At the Jerusalem Press, we receive emails from fellow Jews worldwide who share their concern about their safety. Others will have become more frum, and their Judaism will be more outwardly visible.

“My Mogan David, my kippah,” says David, who lives on the West Coast, “are seen by everyone. I want them to know I’m Jewish. I’m also armed, so there’s that as well.”

When we turn on the television, listen to the news on the radio, or talk to others, we hear the stories of antisemitism, the random punches in the face, the fires at synagogues…

Hate is out of hand, and we must keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe.

“Every day, I work in a major city,” says Hannah. “Every day, I leave my kids at Jewish daycare. I worry about the times we live in. We have no warning, not times like this.”

Avi Ziggler, a young Jewish man living on the East Coast, shared his experience with us.

“It’s early; I was at work late and wouldn’t be home for hours yet,” says Avi, a nurse. “I go outside to wrap Tefillin and daven.”

While wrapping Tefillin around his arm, someone grabbed the leather strip while it was hanging.

“This man, such hate in his eyes, screams at me,” says Avi. “He began pulling my Tefillin and telling me there would be no prayers offered to Satan that day.”

Amina, a Muslim woman in a small Texas town, has the same worries.

“Both my husband and I work,” says Amina. “My husband and me are away from our kids all day long.”

Amina says she’s not worried about the Jewish people. She’s worried about the rising hate against Muslims for simply being Muslim. She shared with us how her brother, who lives in a small Midwest town, was attacked.

“My brother drives those big trucks you see on the highway,” says Amina. “One day, he stops for rest and salat [prayer] and is beaten by some teens for praying.”

Amin said during her brother’s Salat, they called him names and threw rocks at him before punching and kicking him.

We must find ways to ensure our safety. It does not matter if you are Jewish, Muslim, or Sikh. Some see us all as the same.

And with Hezbollah calling on lone wolf members of their terror organization to commit acts of violence against Jews and Christians, we must be extra vigilant.

“We are well aware of the increased concerns for safety. We, too, have concerns, especially after losing one of our officers in February to an unprovoked attack,” says Dan Trujillo, Public Information Officer for the Las Cruces Police Department.

Here are some safety tips from the Las Cruces Police Department.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and stay attentive.
• Avoid distractions (cell phone usage, listening to music, etc.) while walking, exercising, and shopping.
• When possible, travel in pairs or small groups. Those who wish to cause harm tend to pick on individuals rather than a group.
• Have a plan and practice it. Whether in your home, store, church, synagogue, school, or place of employment, know your exit points and regress in the event of a critical incident. Review and practice exit and regress plans with others who share your space.
• Refrain from provoking anger—even unintentionally—in someone else. Words and actions (honking a horn, brake-checking, staring, hand gestures, etc.) often have unintended consequences.
• Remove or hide valuables from inside vehicles.
• Lock your vehicle when leaving it unattended.
• Avoid leaving firearms in an unattended vehicle.
• Avoid carrying or displaying large sums of cash.
• Men are encouraged to carry wallets in a front pocket, and women should carry purses with a cross-body strap.
• Report suspicious persons or activity immediately by calling your local police non-emergency number or 911.

We can all stay safe and secure if we follow the above tips.

I will add a few extra tips for you to consider.

• Practice your Second Amendment rights. Become appropriately trained to carry and use a sidearm. Doing so can protect yourself, your family, and your community.
• When participating in or organizing public events, make sure there are at least one or two people with cameras. If someone acts out towards you or the group, video and pictures will become invaluable tools for investigators and prosecutors.
• We all want to welcome strangers and show them hospitality. In this day and age, however, we must be a bit cautious. Don’t be standoffish or ignore them, but do know who they are.
• Lastly, hire security if there is a danger to your Shabbos, Jumah, or other religious services.

Do you have any tips you can offer? If so, please add them in the comments so we may all learn to better protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.

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