Amid Rising Threats, U.S. Jewish Communities Bolster Grassroots Security Initiatives

In response to two violent attacks against Jewish individuals within a span of two weeks, American Jewish communities are stepping up localized security efforts. Recognizing that law enforcement cannot be solely relied upon for protection, these communities are adopting a more proactive, grassroots approach to safety—a model long used by Jewish populations in other parts of the diaspora. Central to this shift is the Community Security Service (CSS), a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to training volunteers in threat prevention and emergency response.

The urgency of this movement was underscored by a violent incident in Boulder, Colorado, on June 1. A small, peaceful gathering advocating for the release of hostages in Gaza was attacked by an assailant wielding Molotov cocktails and a flamethrower. Twelve people were injured, and two remain hospitalized. Authorities report that the suspect, identifying himself as Muslim, shouted anti-Zionist threats during the assault. This event followed the fatal shooting of two Jewish activists in Washington, D.C., just weeks earlier. In that case, the perpetrator claimed his actions were in support of Palestine.

Richard Priem, CEO of CSS, spoke candidly to the Global Security Observer, stating, "Ideally, our services wouldn't be needed. But after a second targeted attack in two weeks, empowering communities to protect themselves has become absolutely vital."

The broader context of these incidents is the enduring conflict in the Middle East, reignited by the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel, which resulted in hundreds of hostages. Israel's military response has led to a significant number of Palestinian casualties. This conflict has had reverberating effects globally, particularly in the U.S., where antisemitic incidents have seen a marked increase.

Established in 2007, CSS recruits and trains everyday citizens—ranging from healthcare professionals to attorneys—to serve as volunteer security personnel. The organization has trained nearly 15,000 individuals and currently coordinates over 6,000 active volunteers across the country. Its mission focuses on threat deterrence, early detection, and rapid response.

"People are coming to terms with the reality that threats are persistent and evolving," Priem noted. "We're seeing a growing demand from Jewish organizations seeking to fortify their events and spaces. Even small-scale demonstrations now require trained vigilance."

Following the Boulder attack, Priem traveled to the city to coordinate with local volunteers and prepare for an upcoming Jewish cultural festival. CSS, citing security protocols, does not publicly disclose the number of volunteers operating in specific regions.

Training Civilian First Responders

CSS's training program spans multiple sessions, emphasizing situational awareness and self-defense. A component of the curriculum includes instruction in an Israeli martial art, tailored for civilian use. Chuck Berkowitz, CSS's Head of Security—formerly a U.S. Army Ranger and NYPD detective with expertise in counterterrorism—outlined the program's ethos: "We train volunteers to identify potential threats, maintain situational awareness, and respond appropriately without escalating risk."

According to Berkowitz, the Boulder suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly researched the targeted demonstration for over a year. "Most attacks on Jewish communities involve some form of surveillance or planning. Our volunteers are trained to notice behaviors that seem out of place before they escalate," he said.

Balancing Security and Civil Liberties

Kenneth Gray, a former FBI agent and academic expert in security policy, commented on the challenge of safeguarding small, public gatherings like the Boulder protest. "There's always a delicate balance between ensuring public safety and maintaining the freedom of movement. A strong security presence can be necessary, but over-policing can also hinder the sense of community," he explained.

His recommendation was clear: "Be alert. If something doesn't feel right, notify law enforcement. Don't second-guess your instincts."

Priem concurred, though he emphasized that relying solely on intuition isn't enough. "This mindset needs to be supported by training. We can't depend entirely on others to ensure our safety. Building community-level preparedness is a critical layer of resilience."

A Pattern, Not an Exception

The expansion of CSS has been propelled by a series of violent incidents targeting Jewish communities in recent years:

• The 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, which left 11 dead.
• The 2019 Passover shooting at a synagogue in Poway, California.
• A targeted attack on a Jewish deli in Jersey City later that same year, resulting in six fatalities.

Priem, whose background includes serving as a counterterrorism advisor to the United Nations Security Council and the Anti-Defamation League, views these attacks as part of a troubling trend rather than isolated events. In December 2023, CSS volunteers were credited with preventing a potential gas attack on a synagogue in Washington, D.C.—an incident that underscored the value of trained civilian vigilance.

"Our framework is grounded in counterterrorism principles," Priem explained. "Our goal is not just to respond to threats, but to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement to preemptively identify and neutralize them."

As tensions linked to Middle East conflicts continue to shape the global climate, American Jewish communities are taking a more active role in safeguarding their own institutions. Through organizations like CSS, they are not only building defensive capabilities but also fostering a sense of collective responsibility in an increasingly uncertain security environment.