Baltimore Jewish Communities Bolster Security Amid Rise in Attacks

Local leaders say security has become a constant concern as antisemitic incidents continue to increase.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:18pm

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With another high-profile attack against the Jewish community dominating national headlines, the local Jewish community in Baltimore is on high alert. Area police departments have stepped up patrols and security around Jewish community buildings and places of worship. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said security has become a constant concern as antisemitic incidents continue to rise across the country.

Why it matters

The recent attack on a synagogue in Michigan has heightened concerns about the safety of Jewish communities nationwide. Baltimore's Jewish leaders are having to balance being welcoming with the need for increased security measures, as antisemitism incidents have seen an uptick in recent years, fueled in part by global conflicts.

The details

Following the attack in Michigan, where a man rammed his truck into a synagogue, police in Baltimore and Howard counties have increased their presence and patrols around all places of worship as a precautionary measure. Jewish community leaders like Howard Libit say security has become a top priority, with millions of dollars being spent on measures like gun detection systems and other security upgrades at synagogues, community centers, and schools.

  • The recent attack in Michigan occurred on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Howard Libit

The executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, who says security has become a constant concern as antisemitic incidents continue to rise.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali

The 41-year-old suspect who rammed his truck into a synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, in what the FBI has described as a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community." Ghazali was a naturalized U.S. citizen who lost several family members in an Israeli airstrike against his home country of Lebanon.

Lance Leising

A retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent who says working with law enforcement is critical for Jewish communities to take preparations and security steps.

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What they’re saying

“You don't wanna ever just kind of say, 'Oh, this is how life has to be.' We can't accept it. But, it really has become kind of crushing this seems to be the norm.”

— Howard Libit, Executive Director, Baltimore Jewish Council (cbsnews.com)

“Take preparations and steps. What law enforcement needs is that community involvement.”

— Lance Leising, Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Police in Baltimore and Howard counties have said they will maintain a heightened presence and vigilance around places of worship as a precautionary measure following the attack in Michigan.

The takeaway

The rise in antisemitic incidents across the country has forced Jewish communities like those in Baltimore to prioritize security, even as they strive to remain welcoming. This delicate balance highlights the ongoing challenges faced by minority groups in the face of increasing hate and violence.