The FBI is keeping watch for possible dangers to Jewish Americans before the Passover holiday, as stated by FBI Director Christopher Wray. He mentioned that the number of threats was already high even before the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas.
Wray talked about the FBI's efforts in examining hate crimes against Jewish people while speaking at an event on Wednesday hosted by the Secure Community Network, the largest Jewish security organization in the region.
“Today, we at the bureau remain particularly concerned that lone actors could target large gatherings, high profile events, or symbolic or religious locations for violence. This is especially worrying as we approach the start of Passover on Monday evening,” he said.
Wray stated that the bureau initiated three times more investigations into anti-Jewish hate crimes in the three months following Oct. 7.
“Between October 7 and January 30 of this year, we opened over three times more investigations into anti-Jewish hate crimes than in the four months before October 7,” Wray said. “And of course, that’s on top of what was already an increase from the previous year.”
Wray mentioned that the threats are not only present within the country but also overseas.
“We’ve seen – since October 7 – a rogues’ gallery of foreign terrorist organizations calling for attacks against the United States and our allies,” he noted, while also highlighting an increase in hoax threats such as “bomb and active shooter threats.”
Incidents of antisemitism reached an all-time high last year, particularly after Oct. 7.
There were over 8,800 incidents of antisemitism in 2023, as reported by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). These incidents included harassment, vandalism, and assaults. survey The data indicates a 140 percent increase from 2022. Approximately 5,200 incidents occurred following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel.
“Antisemitism constitutes nothing less than a national emergency, a serious and persistent problem that is still widespread across the country and in our local communities and campuses,” stated Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL.
The FBI is monitoring for threats against Jewish Americans ahead of the Passover holiday, as stated by FBI Director Christopher Wray. He also mentioned that the number of threats was already high before Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel. Wray discussed the FBI's work in investigating anti-Jewish hate crimes while speaking at an event hosted by the Secure Community Network on Wednesday…
