Overview
- A diplomatic cable circulated by the State Department instructs nearly all U.S. missions to press local governments to strengthen protection for synagogues, holiday events and Jewish communal sites.
- The cable recommends deploying police, counterterrorism units or military forces to services and events and increasing patrols in crowded areas.
- It calls for stepped-up security in residential neighborhoods and along routes used by worshippers who travel at predictable times and may be visibly identifiable.
- The advisory asks diplomats to deliver the guidance to the highest available levels of host governments and to arrange briefings and formal coordination channels with Jewish institutions and security groups.
- The guidance links the push to the October 7, 2023 attacks and notes observant Jews often do not use electronic devices during holidays, so it urges systems for direct, non-electronic alerts to reach communities quickly.