Attack on Michigan synagogue

(West Bloomfield) The vehicular attack on a synagogue near Detroit on Thursday shook a Jewish community already on edge over anti-Semitism in the United States.

For Tamar Cohen, 24, this violence reinforces an already worrying daily life: practicing one’s faith carries a risk.

“It’s really as if our security was no longer guaranteed,” she whispered to AFP near Temple Israel, the site of Thursday’s attack. “It’s just terrifying to not feel safe in your own neighborhood, within your own community, when you’re just practicing your religion and living your values. »

American Jews were already reporting growing unease with anti-Semitism, and the war in the Middle East is only making it worse.

During the attack, only the attacker, a Lebanese who obtained American citizenship in 2016, was killed. This 41-year-old man reportedly lost loved ones a few days earlier during an Israeli attack in Lebanon.

“Whenever there is fighting in the Middle East, it often results in increased hatred and more serious threats against the Jewish community,” notes Amy Sapeika of the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

“We must protect ourselves”

A recent survey conducted by the AJC reveals that 91% of American Jews feel less safe, in part due to acts of violence committed against Jews in the country during the past year.

Two Israeli embassy aides were shot and killed outside the Jewish Museum in Washington in 2025, and an arsonist targeted the home of Jewish Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

For M^me Sapeika said Thursday’s attack was “both shocking and not shocking.” “We have seen a surge in anti-Semitism,” she told AFP. “We knew this could happen, but it really was our worst fear that came true.”

These threats have increased demand for security services aimed specifically at protecting Jewish communities, with officers stationed in schools, on campuses and in other buildings.

This precaution proved vital on Thursday since it was security agents who neutralized the suspect before he shot himself in the head.

This precaution proved vital on Thursday since it was the security agents who opened fire and neutralized the suspect. The exact circumstances of the attacker’s death are not yet known.

“We would much rather spend this money on the education of our children or on the community,” regrets Jennifer Kaluzny, rabbi of the attacked synagogue. “But it is undeniable that anti-Semitism is reaching new heights and that we must protect ourselves. »

M^me Kaluzny would like Jews to feel free to express their faith openly while recognizing that some people are worried.

Nothing new

The American Jewish Committee survey found that more than half of respondents have avoided certain behaviors, such as displaying Jewish symbols or attending events.

Aryeh Silverstein, 19, says at his trading card store near Detroit that he is hesitant to display his Jewish identity: “I don’t know at all if it’s something I should talk about openly or something I should hide completely,” says the young man, wearing a Star of David necklace.

But he insists he won’t be intimidated: “If I want to openly display my Jewish identity, that’s how it will happen.” Regardless of the negative reactions.”

Tamar Cohen also confirms that she intends to go to her synagogue as usual: “Hiding is exactly what terrorists want. They want you to be terrified. They want you to stay home. They want you to stop doing anything,” she emphasizes.

And Tamar Cohen points out that threats of violence are nothing new for the Jewish people: “I think it’s in our nature. We are so used to it. Jews have been targeted their entire lives. We have always been targeted for the sole reason that we are Jewish.”