Synagogue attacks grow more deadly despite decline in antisemitic threats, Diaspora Ministry warns

Bomb threats against US synagogues fell from 1,009 in 2023 to 59 in 2025, but antisemitic attacks involving lethal weapons rose, according to a Diaspora Affairs Ministry report.

Ahead of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, Israel's Diaspora Affairs Ministry has warned Jews abroad of heightened risk of physical threats to synagogues and worshippers worldwide.

The report, released Thursday, warns of threats even in places where the number of false threats and remote harassment has declined.

It also finds that the threat is no longer directed solely at synagogue buildings, but increasingly targets the daily practice of Jewish life: traveling to prayer services, gathering as a community, and the ability to do so safely.

Arson and throwing Molotov cocktails are identified as among the most prominent methods used to target synagogues. These incidents demonstrate both the danger posed to buildings and Torah scrolls and the risks to worshippers inside. Other methods include gunfire directed at synagogues and attempts to use vehicles to breach security perimeters.

Scale versus severity

One of the report's central findings is the disparity between the scale of threats and their severity.

For example, in the United States, the number of bomb threats against synagogues fell from 1,009 in 2023 to 59 in 2025. However, at the same time, the report identifies an increase in the lethality of antisemitic attacks, including the use of firearms and incendiary devices against Jewish institutions and worshippers.

Although the overall number of antisemitic incidents in the US fell by 33% in 2025, to 6,274, there were 32 attacks involving lethal weapons, compared with 23 in 2024. The report argues that assessments of the threat must take into account the potential loss of human life, rather than simply the number of incidents.

In Britain, a record 227 synagogue-related incidents were recorded in 2025. Of these, 50 targeted worshippers traveling to or from services. The report also identifies repeated attacks against the same institutions, such as Toronto's Shaarei Torah community, which was targeted 10 times during the period covered by the report in incidents involving vandalism and arson.

Hired criminals, hidden sponsors

Alongside lone attackers motivated by ideology, the report identifies suspected involvement by terrorist networks and state actors, including Iran, through the recruitment of local criminal elements.

According to the report, investigations and assessments into incidents in Montreal, Toronto and Sydney have examined a pattern in which local criminals are allegedly paid to carry out attacks and arson, allowing those commissioning the operations to conceal their involvement.

"The report's findings point to an unacceptable reality; This is not merely a statistic, but a serious warning sign for every sovereign state," said Avi Cohen-Skali, Director-General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.

He called on governments and law enforcement authorities around the world to strengthen protection for Jewish institutions, work to prevent antisemitic incidents and bring those responsible to justice.

"The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism will continue working to identify threats, issue warnings and bring information to the attention of the relevant authorities, out of a commitment to the security and resilience of Jewish communities around the world," he added.