The US State Department has instructed nearly all of its diplomatic missions worldwide to urge local governments to strengthen security for Jewish communities ahead of the upcoming High Holidays, according to a diplomatic cable obtained by JNS.
The cable calls on US missions to provide host governments with basic information about the Jewish holidays as well as the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, which occurred during Simchat Torah in 2023. It also notes that other terrorist attacks have taken place on or around Jewish holidays.
“We urge your government to deploy law enforcement, counterterrorism or military forces, as appropriate, to synagogues and other locations hosting services or events," the cable states, as quoted by JNS.
US diplomatic missions were instructed to deliver the message to the highest available levels of government in their respective countries.
The cable also calls for increased security in residential areas with Jewish populations, noting that worshippers often travel along predictable routes at predictable times while wearing identifiable religious clothing.
Host governments are further urged to provide security briefings and establish coordination channels with Jewish institutions, security organizations and businesses ahead of the holidays.
This year, the two-day observance of Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, which also marks the beginning of Shabbat, and ends after sundown on Sunday, September 13.
The State Department also encouraged governments to increase patrols in crowded areas. The cable points out that religious Jews generally do not use electronic communications during nearly all of the holidays and therefore recommends establishing a system capable of delivering direct warnings about sudden threats.
There has been no official comments from the State Department on the reported cable.