Wall Street Journal: Lawmakers Push for More Security at Houses of Worship

May 29, 2019

By Ian Lovett

Local, state and federal lawmakers are pushing for funding to protect houses of worship following a series of deadly shootings , signaling that the days of the church with its doors propped open at all hours may be over.

New York city council members want to include funding for security at houses of worship in the next budget, while state legislators in Connecticut are seeking $5 million to pay for measures such as cameras and shatterproof windows.

In Washington, D.C., Sens. Rob Portman (R., Ohio) and Gary Peters (D., Mich.) introduced legislation earlier this month to authorize $75 million in grants to help secure religious gathering places and other nonprofit organizations—up from $60 million last fiscal year. The grants fund everything from surveillance cameras to active-shooter training, a step more religious organizations are taking.

“Places of worship should be a safe haven,” Mr. Peters said in announcing the bill. “Tragically, the rise in the number of violent attacks at synagogues, mosques and churches across the country has shattered that expectation.”

The shooting last month at the Chabad of Poway synagogue , outside San Diego, was the latest in a string of deadly attacks on houses of worship. Earlier this year, a gunman killed 51 people at two New Zealand mosques.

Last year, 11 people were killed in a shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue; in 2017, a gunman killed 26 people at a rural Texas church.

Long considered soft targets because they are open to all comers, religious places have been taking steps to add security for years. An industry around providing that security has been growing.

Sarah Levin, director of governmental affairs for the Secular Coalition for America, said grants for security at houses of worship needed also to be made available to nonreligious groups, as is the case with Department of Homeland Security grants. She noted that many secular nonprofits, such as abortion clinics, also were targets of violence. “Favoriting the security of houses of worship over the security of other communities is not only violation of separation of church and state, it’s wrong,” she said.

Religious leaders from various faiths say the recent attacks have tipped the balance they long tried to maintain between keeping the congregation safe and keeping an inviting atmosphere for newcomers in favor of tighter security. Where even a year ago, many people resisted the idea of going through metal detectors to worship, they now more often welcome displays of heavy security as signs that they will be safe once inside.

A poll of 1,000 Jewish Voters by the Jewish Electorate Institute found that more than 70% think Jewish Americans are less safe than they were two years ago.

A recent survey from Church Mutual, an insurance company focused on worship centers, found that 12% of Americans who attend religious services regularly don’t feel safe in their places of worship.

At the Islamic Center of Southern California, one of the largest mosques in Los Angeles, congregants have debated for years about what kind of security is appropriate. “It’s trending toward the desire to make our facilities much more secure,” said Omar Ricci, chairman of the Islamic Center.

The congregation now has armed security, and several members—including Mr. Ricci, a reserve Los Angeles Police Department officer—carry their weapons with them to pray. During Ramadan this month, LAPD officers are posted nearby the mosque, Mr. Ricci said.

Tighter security measures have been gradually added at nearby Sinai Temple, a Conservative Jewish congregation, in the years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Security guards are posted at both entrances. Cameras film inside and outside the building. The stained-glass windows are covered by bulletproof glass. Just inside the entrance are bulletproof glass doors, designed to stop an intruder who shoots his way inside the building. All of the synagogue’s security guards are armed former military.

To pay for these measures, Howard Lesner, executive director of the temple, asked members for donations several years ago.

“The members don’t mind being stopped,” he said. “They are happy about it. They would like to see more being done.”

For many smaller congregations, though, such expenses are impossible.

Omar Siddiqi, a member of the Islamic Association of North Texas in Dallas, said his mosque needed more security cameras and outdoor lighting, but can’t afford all the measures he would like to put in place. After the New Zealand mosque attack this year, he put together a team of 15 members to provide unofficial security.

Two members of the group are armed. Mr. Siddiqi said he hopes others will get permits to carry concealed weapons as well. “A lot of people are like, ‘Why are we arming a bunch of individuals from the mosque?’ which I can understand,” he said. “But at the times we’re living in right now…one or two individuals is not going to solve the problem.”

Pulse of The Jewish Voter Amidst Iran War Shows Engagement In A Host of Issues

April 15, 2026
U.S. JEWS VOTING DEM IN CONGRESS MIDTERMS YET QUESTION WHAT PARTY STANDS FOR, ESP. ON ISRAEL JEWISH R ’ s MOST ID ’ d AS PRO-ISRAEL, NEW POLL SHOWS United in Support of Israel ’ s Right to Exist as Jewish Homeland But Mixed Concepts of Zionism Jews see too much Israel criticism playing into antisemitism While most Jews feel too many Israel supporters use antisemitism claims to avoid legitimate policy debate WASHINGTON – The latest Jewish Electorate Institute (JEI) poll shows American Jews are voting heavily Democratic in the midterm election for Congress. At the same time, Jews have questions about what the Democratic Party stands for, particularly on Israel. Jewish Republicans, on the other hand, are most identified as being pro-Israel, which is also one of their biggest image advantages over Democrats. Meanwhile, amid debates in the Jewish community over Israel, war in Iran and election politics, American Jews are united in support of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and homeland for the Jewish people. However, there are mixed signals over the concept of Zionism, with the majority seeing Zionism favorably, but only a third calling themselves Zionists. There is also concern about how antisemitism is becoming a part of the increasingly heated discussions over U.S.-Israel issues, by both sides. A large majority of U.S. Jews see too many critics of Israel using language about Jews that play into antisemitism, whether intended or not. At the same time, a majority of Jews feel too many supporters of Israel use claims of antisemitism to avoid legitimate debate over policy. These analyses are based on the final release of the findings of a national survey of 800 Jewish registered voters, with an oversample to yield 600 Jewish women. The survey was conducted for JEI by The Mellman Group using a high-quality online national panel from March 13-23, 2026. The margin of error for the sample as a whole is +/- 3.5% at the 95% level of confidence (higher for subgroups). Previous JEI analyses and releases centered on U.S. Jews’ pro-Israel identity and their criticism of the government, support for pro-Israel spending in the primaries and the popularity of AIPAC, DMFI and J Street. Also, on what American Jews would likely discuss at the Passover seder tables.

JEI's Spring 2026 Latest Poll

April 15, 2026
Jewish Voters Highly Engaged, Prioritize Domestic Issues; Strong Support for Israel and Caution on Military Action and Advocacy This recent March 2026 national survey finds that American Jewish adults overwhelmingly affirm Israel’s right to exist while also expressing caution about the current U.S. military escalation in Iran. Views on pro-Israel political spending, however, remain mixed. AIPAC has an overall favorable impression of 39%, DMFI 32%, and J Street 18%. Some key findings also include the following: Turnout and partisanship: Registered respondents report their very high intention to turn out for the November 2026 midterm elections. About seven in ten identify as Democrats (many strongly), roughly one in four compared to Republicans, with the remainder being made up of Independents. Democrats hold a substantial advantage in hypothetical congressional votes in respondents’ districts. Donald Trump receives broad net disapproval, and Benjamin Netanyahu is viewed unfavorably by more respondents than favorably. Israel and Zionism: There are mixed signals over the concept of Zionism, with the majority seeing Zionism favorably, but only a third calling themselves Zionists. Roughly seven in ten hold a favorable view of Israel; 87% endorse Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish homeland. Most see Zionism as Jewish self‑determination, though only a third self‑identify as Zionist. A surprisingly large number are unsure about the definition of Zionism. Foreign policy and military action: A majority of respondents oppose current U.S. military action against Iran and say the president should have sought congressional approval for strikes. Many prioritize preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons but favor clear objectives and oversight over unilateral escalation. 2026 Midterm Elections & Party Affiliations: American Jews are voting heavily Democratic in the midterm election for Congress. At the same time, Jews have questions about what the Democratic Party stands for, particularly on Israel. Jewish Republicans are most identified as pro-Israel, which is one of their biggest image advantages over Democrats. Pro‑Israel advocacy and spending: Opinions are split on outside groups spending in primaries—about a third support such spending, a third oppose it, and many are undecided. Respondents are nearly evenly divided on whether aggressive outside intervention helps or harms U.S.–Israel relations. Antisemitism and public debate: A large majority say some criticism of Israel slips into antisemitic tropes, and a significant share also believes some defenders wrongly label policy criticism as antisemitism. There is also concern about how antisemitism is becoming a part of the increasingly heated discussions over U.S.-Israel issues, by both sides. A large majority of U.S. Jews see too many critics of Israel using language about Jews that plays into antisemitism, whether intended or not. At the same time, a majority of Jews feel too many supporters of Israel use claims of antisemitism to avoid legitimate debate over policy. Domestic Issues are Important: Democrats are viewed positively on healthcare, abortion rights, fair elections, and middle class advocacy, while Republicans are viewed as pro-Israel but excessively conservative and unwilling to oppose the President. The sample of respondents: The current distribution of Jewish voters by party affiliation: 69% Democratic, 24% Republican, and 7% Independent. Poll respondents are mixed gender, highly educated, and religiously plural within Judaism (Reform and unaffiliated are the largest). About one‑third belong to a synagogue, but religious practice varies. Jewish women Voters: There are more female Democrats likely to hold reinforcing views, contributing to the party's electoral advantage, thereby fueling the midterm margin. The partisan divide is even larger among women. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Jewish women identify as Democrats, including 50% who are strong Democrats, and 24% who identify as Democratic Socialists. Likely Jewish women voters are supporting the Democrats in the generic vote: 78% Democratic, 19% Republican, and only 3% undecided. The Democratic vote margin increases significantly with age among Jewish women. Women ages 18-29 vote +46 Democratic, rising to +60 among those 40–59 and +58 among those 60 and older. These margins exceed those of the overall Jewish electorate, where voters ages 40–59 and 60+ both register a +48 Democratic advantage. The strength of Jewish identity also follows a consistent pattern. Among women who place lower importance on being Jewish, the Democratic advantage is +74, compared to +61 among the overall electorate. Among those who place higher importance on being Jewish, Jewish women still lean more Democratic than the overall electorate, at +41 versus +36. Jewish women are also more likely to disapprove of Trump’s job performance and the current U.S. military action against Iran. They are four points more likely than the overall electorate to disapprove of Trump’s job performance (77% vs. 73%) and the U.S. military action in Iran (59% vs. 55%). Jewish voters combine strong civic engagement and a clear Democratic preference with nuanced views that favor protecting Israel while insisting on democratic oversight, strategic clarity, and careful political tactics. Well-positioned issues that resonate for candidates and organizations in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections include emphasizing support for Israel alongside respect for congressional authority, clear policy goals, and sensitive messaging on antisemitism. "This poll reinforces a simple truth that the Jewish community is not monolithic, and the Jewish vote should not be taken for granted. Their concerns extend beyond Israel and Iran. It also indicates a critical need for education about Israel's history and the meaning of Zionism. These needs have never been more urgent than they are today," said Barbara Goldberg Goldman, JEI Chair. These analyses are based on the final release of the findings of a national survey of 800 Jewish registered voters, with an oversample to yield 600 Jewish women. The survey was conducted for JEI by The Mellman Group using a high-quality online national panel from March 13-23, 2026. The margin of error for the sample as a whole is +/- 3.5% at the 95% level of confidence (higher for subgroups).

JTA: Most American Jews oppose AIPAC spending in Democratic primaries, survey finds

April 14, 2026
The survey was released one week after another conducted by the Mellman Group and commissioned by the Jewish Electorate Institute found that a majority of American Jews have “not heard much” about the role that pro-Israel lobbying groups have played in this year’s early midterm primaries.  The poll, which surveyed 800 registered Jewish voters March 13-23, found that just 11% of American Jews had heard a “great deal” about “the role pro-Israel groups have played in the early 2026 primaries,” while 27% said they’d heard “some” about it. Meanwhile, 62% said they’d either heard “not much,” “none at all” or that they don’t know.