Like many in our community and around the world, I was horrified to see that another attack on a synagogue took place this past Shabbat. As the community of Central Synagogue was gathered in prayer, an attacker barged into the sanctuary, shouted obscenities, spat, punched a congregant in the face, and smashed a bunch of candles before being escorted out by security. Thankfully, that was “all” that transpired before security guards intervened as congregants recoiled in horror, looking for places to hide for their own safety as they looked desperately for the guards to save them.

Unfortunately, this was yet another instance as to why, collectively, the Jewish community was forced to spend over $750 million on security last year. (Locally, our community's Jewish institutions spent $170k… money that could have been used in any number of ways to enhance Jewish experiences and engagement.) It is also why last fall our Jewish Federation committed to support Community Security Initiative’s (CSI) expansion into our community and up past Santa Barbara to oversee security efforts throughout Southern California, ensuring we were doing what we could to support our local synagogues and schools security efforts.

And even after this latest incident, I know that there are people who still don't get it. They don’t get that, as Elia Gross, newly hired employee of the Forward who had just moved to New York City and was in the pews Friday night during the attack, stated: “I was reminded how quickly the simple act of practicing Judaism can become an exercise in vigilance." Again, no other community has been under attack, having to stay ever vigilant, than the Jewish community.

In the FBI’s 2025 Hate Crimes report that was just released, while there was a 7% drop between 2024 and 2025, the Jewish community is still the target of 64% of all religion-based hate crimes, even though we make up only 2.4% of the US population. And, based on the latest statistics, a Jew is currently 190% more likely than a Muslim to be the victim of a hate-based attack.

This is why a bill working its way through Congress is so vitally important.

The Jewish American Security Act (JASA) is bipartisan legislation that would strengthen federal efforts to protect Jewish communities at a time of rising antisemitic threats. The bill combines key recommendations to helpprotect Jewish life, such as:

· Increased, enhanced and streamlined Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) security funding

· Stronger law enforcement coordination

· Improved threat monitoring and reporting

· Protections for Jewish students

· Greater accountability from social media platforms

You should know that Jewish leaders across the country, including myself, are using the moment while Congress is on its summer recess to meet with their respective Senators and Congresspeople to encourage them to sign on and support JASA. I met with Congresswoman Chu last week and am scheduled to meet with Congresswoman Friedman next week and Congressman Cisneros in September; I am also waiting to hear back from Congresswoman Torres’ staff about a meeting.

And there is something you can do RIGHT NOW!

Take one minute and urge your Members of Congress to cosponsor and support JASA and help protect Jewish communities nationwide. I urge you to go one step further... ask your family, friends, and co-workers to do the same. Share with them how the current climate of hate is impacting you.

We need everyone to help pass this monumental legislation. Now is the moment to show that incidents like what happened at Central Synagogue should never happen again.