**American Jews Face High Holy Days Amid Rising Antisemitic Hate Crimes and Middle East Tensions**

As American Jews prepare for the High Holy Days, they are met with an unsettling increase in antisemitic hate crimes and the looming anniversary of last year’s terrorist attacks in Israel.

Amid a backdrop of expanding military conflict in the Middle East and contentious rhetoric in the presidential election, Jewish communities are experiencing heightened anxiety. Synagogues and religious institutions have increased their security measures, while some families are opting for more subdued celebrations this year.

According to an analysis by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, anti-Jewish hate crimes reported to police in 20 major cities have surged by 48% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This spike in violence has put Jewish community centers, synagogues, and schools across the U.S. on high alert.

Adding to the tension, just before Rosh Hashanah, Iran launched approximately 180 ballistic missiles toward Israel in a two-wave attack that U.S. and Israeli officials largely managed to repel.

The period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur marks the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, with many synagogues and Jewish community centers planning vigils to honor the victims and hostages taken by Hamas. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, described this overlap of significant religious observances and somber remembrance as "an impossible moment" for those ministering to their congregations.

In response to the escalating conflict, President Biden announced that he would not support Israel in striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, while hinting at potential new sanctions against Iran following its recent missile attack. Israeli forces are reportedly preparing for retaliatory strikes within Iran, continuing the cycle of aggression that followed Israel's assassination of key Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian officials.

This confluence of rising antisemitic attacks and international conflict has created an atmosphere of heightened caution and anxiety for American Jews during what is typically a time of deep reflection and celebration.