SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Following recent attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions, the Bay Area’s Jewish community is increasing security measures at places of worship and community events.
The heightened alert comes after an attack Thursday at a Michigan synagogue and the beating of two Jewish men in San Jose on Sunday.
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“These horrific incidents are shocking, but they’re not surprising anymore,” said Tyler Gregory, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council. “We’ve, for two-and-a-half years, been experiencing this form of collective punishment because of events in the Middle East.”
Gregory said the rise in antisemitism in recent years has forced local Jewish organizations to make security a top priority.
“I think the Jewish community, by and large, thought our place in society was secure,” he said. “We’ve seen the ways in which antisemitism in both extremes of our politics are seeping into the mainstream.”
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Rabbi Avigdor Ashtar, who leads Congregation Anshey Sfard in San Francisco, said protecting his congregation has become a collaborative effort.
“We’re talking with the local police. We’re also talking with the captain. And we’re talking with a couple of other Jewish community leaders in the Richmond District and we are helping each other on this matter,” Ashtar said.
The San Francisco Police Department said Thursday it is conducting passing calls at houses of worship and deploying both uniformed and plainclothes officers to help ensure safety.
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Despite the increased precautions, Ashtar said he will not allow fear to dictate daily life.
“A big part of terrorism is psychological,” he said. “It’s to make you fear and always look over your shoulder and not live your life because of who you are. And when I think about that, that’s the source for me to get my strength.”
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