A pair of terrifying incidents Thursday brought home the fear and uncertainty prevalent on the global stage, leaving Americans rightfully feeling more vulnerable and concerned for what could come next.
A suspect rammed a vehicle containing explosives through the door of Temple Israel, one of the largest Reform synagogues in the nation, which is located outside of Detroit, shooting as he went. He was killed, and remarkably, thankfully, no one inside the synagogue — including 140 children in its school and early childhood center — was hurt, except for a security guard hit by the vehicle. This could have been a catastrophe, but the synagogue’s trained and on alert security and staff prevented further tragedy.
The FBI called the incident “a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.” The incident came as antisemitism is on an extraordinary rise, particularly increasing since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Such worrisome trends have spiked as the war in Iran has heightened tensions further and ramped up fears, particularly among Jews.
The Detroit attack came on the same day as a shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia killed one person and injured two. The FBI said it’s being investigated as “an act of terrorism.” The alleged shooter, who was also killed, is Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former National Guard member released from prison in 2024 after being convicted of providing material support to the Islamic State.
As of Thursday evening, there’s much we don’t know, including whether either incident was tied to Iran or motivated by the Middle East war.
It is, however, becoming clear the ongoing conflict has opened the door to increased radicalization and terrorism, and to the potential for more terror to come.
The horrifying day follows a series of disturbing, violent acts since the war’s start, including a deadly mass shooting in Austin, Texas, and an attack in Manhattan, where two individuals are accused of making and throwing bombs near Gracie Mansion. Antisemitic violence has intensified, too, with active shooter incidents at three Toronto synagogues, an explosion outside a Belgium synagogue and a security incident outside a Norway synagogue, just in the last two weeks.
While those threats are real, nothing excuses sweeping, racist rhetoric that targets Muslims coming from those like Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who Thursday posted to social media, “The enemy is inside the gates,” accompanied by a retweet of a photo of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani paired with a photo of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. That’s unacceptable.
Radicalized individuals don’t represent entire religions, just as synagogues and Jewish schools don’t represent Israel or its military.
This is a precarious moment. Federal, state and local officials seem to be taking these dangers seriously, especially in tightening security outside Jewish institutions. We all must remain vigilant.
Unfortunately, we can expect more threats, antisemitism and violence. Our leaders must do more to keep us safe.
MEMBERS OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD are experienced journalists who offer reasoned opinions, based on facts, to encourage informed debate about the issues facing our community.
Members of the editorial board are experienced journalists who offer reasoned opinions, based on facts, to encourage informed debate about the issues facing our community.