On a recent Friday night, I arrived at my synagogue to discover something had been added to its architectural design. There were large round cement balls in a line across the front of the building and doorway. So now, in addition to having a security guard at the building entrance on Shabbat, we have huge cement balls to remind us of our vulnerability — fortress-like accessories to keep us safe.
It is not the first time I have faced such barriers. When I worked for the JCC of Manhattan on New York’s Upper West Side, we had cement barriers in front of the building. When I davened at Temple Emanuel in Newton, Massachusetts, we had guards and a special buzz-in system for members on regular days of the week.
In Maryland, where my Orthodox family members live, the cost of security is unimaginable. It didn’t protect two Jewish men leaving a house of worship some weeks ago from being accosted by passing thugs. And Jewish children who walk the streets need to be careful. Some months ago, a truck was seen following Jewish children as they left school and walked home.
Then there are synagogues abroad. You usually have to call ahead … bring identification. A rabbi friend who travelled in Asia was denied entrance to a synagogue because he didn’t appear to have the right documentation.
In the light of the October 27, 2018 Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the hostage taking on January 15, 2022, at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas; the murder of two Israel consulate workers in Washington, DC, on May 21, 2025; the defacing of a local Chabad synagogue on May 22, 2025 here in Tucson; and the June 1 attack in Boulder, Colorado, on a peaceful demonstration on behalf of Israeli hostages, it is clear we need to be vigilant at all times.
Recently, I visited Maryland to see my son and his family. While there, a car flying the Palestinian flag sat across the street from a local synagogue. It is not against the law, but obviously, it was done to intimidate the Jews in the Orthodox community. They are fortunate to have a seasoned and sympathetic police force. Within minutes, three police cars were outside the synagogue and the Jewish school. The car drove away.
Of course, now we are living with reactions to the military action going on in the Middle East, with bombs flying in both directions, and Israelis in their safe rooms and shelters.
This weekend, in a heartfelt and meaningful letter from our able and inspirational Federation director, Hava Leipzig Holzhauer, Ms. Holzhauer detailed some of the anti-Semitic incidents our children have experienced in the public schools this year. Our immediate reaction is anxiety and questions as to how we can protect our children from these expressions of hate and intolerance.
Some years ago, as vice president of Kulanu, an organization assisting isolated and emerging Jewish communities abroad, I was invited to sit in on the conversion of my friend Serge Etele, the head of the Jewish community of Cameroon. It was an unexpected honor and privilege to do so.
The last question to Serge from the rabbinic triumvirate was relevant for today and perhaps every day. I don’t know if it is standard practice, but it certainly got my attention.
“Do you understand that by joining the Jewish people, you will be more vulnerable in this world?”
“Yes,” Serge answered in a strong and resolute voice. I cannot think of a more powerful question and answer. It still resonates with me today.
Judith Manelis is a writer, editor, and journalist whose work has appeared in American Jewish newspapers and magazines. Her book “This Shall Tell All Ages: Art, Music and Writings of the Holocaust” was published by United Jewish Appeal. Names in this article were changed to protect privacy.
