“Every house of worship, Jewish preschool and community center deserves the resources necessary to keep its communities safe.”
Earlier this month, Temple Israel and ADL Michigan (the Anti-Defamation League) hosted a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders for a visit to the site of the Hezbollah-inspired terrorist attack that occurred on March 12, 2026.
During the visit, Rabbi Jen Lader of Temple Israel brought the policymakers around the synagogue site to show where the attacker entered, how he attempted to harm more than 100 children and 40 staff inside the building at that time, and the renovations Temple Israel has already undertaken to fortify and repair their space.
“Our synagogue is still shocked and angered by the horrific events of March 12, and we’re committed to taking action so that no other community feels this pain,” said Rabbi Lader. “Antisemitism is real, it’s insidious and it’s spreading throughout our country. We urge all Americans — no matter your faith or political ideology — to join us in the fight for tolerance and unity.”
“Standing inside Temple Israel is a powerful reminder that antisemitism is not an abstract threat; it has devastating real-world consequences. On March 12, more than 100 children and dozens of staff members were forced into the path of a terrorist attack simply because they were at a Jewish institution,” said Elyssa Schmier, regional director of ADL Michigan. “We are grateful to the Congressional leaders from across the political spectrum who came here today to witness this community’s resilience and the urgent need for action.
Leaders listen to Rabbi Lader during the tour.
“Every house of worship, Jewish preschool and community center deserves the resources necessary to keep its communities safe. Today strengthens our resolve to work alongside leaders at every level of government to confront antisemitism, pass the Jewish American Security Act, including its $1 billion annual authorization for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and take steps to ensure that what happened here is never repeated anywhere else,” Schmier said.
According to an FBI investigation, on March 12 a man inspired by Hezbollah’s ideology rammed his car into the Temple Israel campus with the attempt to commit a mass terrorist attack. The attacker was clearly trying to cause significant harm to the members of Temple Israel, as well as more than 100 children and 40 staff who were present that day; there were no fatalities or serious injuries thanks to the heroism of the Temple Israel security staff. Law enforcement has determined the attacker was purposefully targeting the Jewish community and Michigan’s largest Jewish house of worship.
Temple Israel has been working with ADL Michigan and federal and local elected representatives to secure legislation and funding that will support safety for Jewish communities nationwide. Temple Israel’s clergy, staff and lay leaders have visited Washington, D.C., in the months since the attack to advocate for change, specifically calling to pass the Jewish American Security Act. Temple representatives were also active in the fight to declare April 29 as “End Jew Hatred Day” in the state of Michigan, legislation that passed in Lansing with bipartisan support.
The Congressional leaders are welcomed to Temple Israel.
Temple Israel and ADL Michigan are urging Congress to pass the Jewish American Security Act (JASA), comprehensive bipartisan legislation that would provide the tools needed to better protect Jewish communities. The bill increases annual funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to $1 billion, helping synagogues, schools and other vulnerable nonprofits strengthen physical security and emergency preparedness, while also improving the federal response to antisemitism through stronger enforcement, coordination and accountability.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin
What Congressional Leaders Said
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI): “What happened at Temple Israel back in March was a stark reminder of the hate and antisemitism the Jewish community in Michigan are facing today. This could have been one of the worst mass killing events in this country’s history if not for the security officers who stood between the attacker and a preschool full of kids. That’s why I’m pushing the Department of Homeland Security for more nonprofit security grant funding, so every synagogue, church and mosque has what it needs to protect its people. Everyone deserves to worship in peace.”
Congressman Tim Walberg (R, MI-05): “The attack at Temple Israel this past March was heartbreaking and despicable, and I am grateful to the FBI for conducting training with Temple Israel in the weeks before the attack, allowing the synagogue’s security team to be prepared to handle a horrific attack. With antisemitism running rampant across the country, too many members of the Jewish community feel unsafe to gather, worship and learn. Unfortunately, certain politicians are also politicizing antisemitism to sow division across the nation. We must reject these attempts and recommit to combating the scourge of antisemitism.”
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D, MI-06): “The rise of hate and violence towards people of faith has troubled me deeply, and I was horrified to see this hate in Michigan this past March in an attack on Temple Israel. What happened at the temple was a nightmare, and it is a miracle no child died that day. This was a targeted act of violence against a Jewish community, it was clear antisemitism, and it continues to add to the feeling of a deep, raw sense of vulnerability too many have. That is why it was important for me to join my Republican and Democratic colleagues in visiting Temple Israel to meet with the synagogue’s leadership, pay my respects, and listen as they continue to heal both the building and the spirit of this community. Jewish communities are experiencing rising antisemitism and threats. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event. We also saw clear hate against the Mormon religious community through the horrible attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last year, as well as the shooting at the CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne. Muslim communities are also living with fear — facing harassment, suspicion and backlash, especially during periods of conflict abroad. Hate rarely confines itself to one target. It spreads, it echoes and it puts multiple communities on edge at once. We must all continue to do our part to reject hate and foster a society that sees the human dignity in all of our neighbors.”
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (D, MI-08) said: “I want to thank the leadership team at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield for opening their doors for such an important conversation. Between what happened here and at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan has seen horrific, completely unacceptable attacks on places of worship in the last year. We need to come together to stand firmly against antisemitism and make sure no one ever fears for their safety because of their faith.”
Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R, MI-09): “Walking through Temple Israel and seeing where this attack unfolded is something I will never forget. The Jewish community should never have to live with the fear that violence could interrupt at such a sacred place meant for worship and fellowship. We have a responsibility to stand with our Jewish neighbors, strengthen security at their places of worship and confront antisemitism head-on. I take that responsibility seriously.”
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