In Minnetonka, the sombre anniversary of the attack on Israel on October 7th

According to the OCHA, since the Hamas attack, Israel has launched a bombing campaign and a ground invasion in the Gaza Strip, killing about 42,000 Palestinians, including more than 17,000 children, and destroying more than half of the region’s hospitals, roads, and residential and commercial facilities were destroyed.

The conflict has long fueled fears of a larger war in the Middle East. Last week, Israel launched a ground invasion of Lebanon and Iran fired missiles into Israel.

According to an April survey by the Jewish Federations of North America, reports of anti-Semitism have increased in the U.S., causing more than half of Jewish Americans to be at least somewhat concerned about their personal safety. Almost a third of respondents said they were very worried or constantly worried.

Safety is also a concern on site. In Minneapolis, a 21-year-old man was charged with three felonies after he allegedly made terroristic threats and carried a gun outside Temple Israel during Rosh Hashanah. However, prosecutors said there was no evidence of anti-Semitism in this incident.

Still, police officials said they would increase patrols around Jewish community centers during the High Holidays. Police remained visible at Adath Jeshurun’s sprawling grounds during Monday’s memorial service.

“That’s the nature of the world we live in,” Hunegs said. “At the same time, we want to remain warm and welcoming.”