US Jews Grapple with Surge in Attacks and Divisions Over Israeli Policies

Synagogue attacks, antisemitism, and rifts within the Jewish community over Israel highlight complex issues facing American Jews.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:03pm

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American Jews are facing a tumultuous time, with a surge in attacks targeting their communities and deep divisions within the community over support for or criticism of Israeli policies. While there is widespread condemnation of violence against synagogues and Jewish institutions, there are also debates over whether American Jews should be held accountable for the actions of the Israeli government. Rabbis and Jewish leaders are navigating these complex issues, acknowledging the nuances involved and the need to address both security concerns and the expression of diverse political views.

Why it matters

The rise in attacks on Jewish communities and the bitter rifts within the American Jewish community over Israeli policies highlight the challenges facing American Jews in reconciling their identity, faith, and political views. These issues have significant implications for Jewish communities, interfaith relations, and the broader sociopolitical landscape in the US.

The details

In recent incidents, a man drove his truck into a Detroit-area synagogue where over 100 children were attending a preschool program, and anti-Israel protests have at times led to violence targeting Jewish institutions. Jewish leaders and commentators have condemned these attacks, while also acknowledging the complexity of the issues, with some arguing that American Jews should not be held accountable for the actions of the Israeli government. There are also debates over whether synagogues should remove 'We stand with Israel' signs, as some believe they make congregants less safe, while others argue that people should be free to express their beliefs without fear of violence.

  • Last week, a man drove his pickup truck into a Detroit-area synagogue where more than 100 children were attending a preschool program.
  • On October 7, 2023, a deadly attack by Hamas triggered a war in Gaza, leading to a surge in criticism of Israel and anti-Israel protests that have at times spilled over into violence targeting Jewish institutions.

The players

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

President of the Union for Reform Judaism.

Peter Beinart

Jewish author and commentator who has been critical of Israeli policy in Gaza, the West Bank, and elsewhere.

Amy Spitalnick

CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, who has policy differences with the Israeli government but would not ask synagogues to take down 'We stand with Israel' signs.

Beth Kissileff

A journalist whose husband survived the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack that claimed 11 lives.

Jonathan Perlman

Rabbi of New Light Congregation, one of the three Pittsburgh congregations that lost members in the 2018 synagogue attack.

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What they’re saying

“To hold American Jews — let alone children in a preschool — accountable for the actions of a foreign government is a dangerous double standard that we don't apply today to any other group.”

— Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism

“No matter what Israel does, no matter how immoral or brutal or horrifying, it doesn't justify attacking a synagogue or justifying attacking American Jews in any way.”

— Peter Beinart, Jewish author and commentator

“We live in a country where people are entitled to their beliefs. No one should have to risk violence because they're expressing them.”

— Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs

“It's outrageous to take anything out on anyone. It's outrageous that Iranian schoolgirls were killed. I'm outraged when any innocent life is taken.”

— Beth Kissileff, Journalist

“This is something that we've been seeing from Oct. 7, just a tremendous amount of people who want to connect with their faith and connect with their people.”

— Motti Seligson, Director of public relations for Chabad-Lubavitch

What’s next

The judge in the case of the man who drove his truck into the Detroit-area synagogue will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This complex issue highlights the need for American Jews to navigate the nuances of their identity, faith, and political views, while also addressing the very real security concerns and rising antisemitism that their communities are facing. It underscores the importance of fostering open dialogue, condemning violence, and finding ways to express diverse perspectives without putting lives at risk.