The security distress of Jewish centers worldwide rises to the top of the agenda

The annual conference of Chabad emissaries in Brooklyn places at the top of the agenda the growing threats to Jewish institutions worldwide since October 7, alongside the surge in antisemitic incidents. Representatives from 111 countries discuss the need for physical fortification and a change in security perception, against the backdrop of security expenditures of about one billion dollars in the US alone.

The annual conference of Chabad emissaries, held over the weekend in Brooklyn with thousands of representatives from 111 countries, centered on the growing security distress of Jewish institutions and communities worldwide since October 7. The event addresses the urgent need for a change in security perception, physical fortification of Chabad houses, and addressing concerns on the ground. Rabbi Yossi Groner of North Carolina defined security as "a reality that requires us to take initiative," against the backdrop of data showing that security expenditures on Jewish institutions in the US alone reached about one billion dollars this year. Rabbi Gil Yosef Leeds of the University of Berkeley described the pressure on Jewish students on campus and spoke of actions to highlight Jewish presence. Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor of Bangkok referred to the revocation of his Thai citizenship and the pressures on Chabad activity in Thailand. The conference also emphasized the burnout of emissaries, with a health and wellness summit addressing mental and family pressures.