09-04-24 TPE AG PM

Rising Antisemitism Prompts Jewish Community to Take Self-Defense Precautions Ahead of High Holidays

With antisemitism surging nationwide, the Jewish community is gearing up for the upcoming high holiday season by taking bold steps toward self-defense and empowerment. According to Richard Priem, CEO of the Community Security Service (CSS), his organization has partnered with nearly 500 synagogues and trained over 15,000 community members to ensure the safety of their homes of worship amidst escalating threats.

Priem emphasized that self-defense goes beyond physical defense; it's about communities reclaiming responsibility for their own security. As he stated: "When we talk about self-defense, you're not looking at it purely from, you know, can I physically defend myself? But it's also about the Jewish community taking some ownership over their own security, not to replace law enforcement, not to replace paid security, but to add an additional layer of community security that we own."

The CSS aims to empower Jewish individuals to live freely without intimidation. In Priem's words: “Our mission is to protect Jewish life and the Jewish way of life. On the one hand, we want to increase security around Jewish institutions and events so that we can protect the people inside. But we also want to maintain the Jewish way of life, meaning we want to be able to continue living as Jewish Americans who participate in all aspects of American life, but also Jewish life, free from fear.”

Meanwhile, companies such as Byrna Technologies offer innovative solutions for personal protection. Their flagship product, the Byrna Launcher, uses non-lethal technology to deter assailants. Chief Revenue Officer Luan Pham explained: "That, you know, really changes the focus on the victim and back to the aggressor. And, where our product is extremely unique because it's very accessible." With sales exceeding half a million units over five years, it's clear that concerned citizens – including thousands within the Jewish community – seek effective yet responsible means of defending themselves.

Pham shared stories of faith leaders embracing these technologies, citing cases like a Las Vegas event attendee eager to equip himself and others: "What makes the product very unique is that you can train unskilled folks in the sanctity of your own property... Over the years, we have trained dozens and dozens of churches, on how to protect themselves, their congregation..."

This renewed emphasis on preparedness comes as authorities struggle to contain growing hatred toward the Jewish population. Hate crime statistics reveal alarming increases – particularly in regions with strict gun-control measures. Even before recent terror-related incidents, the United States witnessed a staggering 400% spike in antisemitic episodes following the October 7th attacks in Southern Israel.

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