May 20, 2026
The Central Conference of American Rabbis and Reform rabbis are horrified that antisemitic threats have become so commonplace that they are increasingly routine in communities we serve. Jewish life is frequently disrupted and fear multiplied by credible threats. Yet, in the shadow of hatred, we continue to show up, bravely, to gather, worship, and celebrate our community and culture, usually surrounded by security.
Just this week, we learned of the arrest of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an Iranian-backed terrorist charged with plotting deadly attacks against Jewish communities across North America and Europe. The scope of the alleged plot is breathtaking, seeking to murder large numbers of Jews, Israelis, and non-Jewish Americans in cities throughout the United States, Canada, and in Europe, including at an unspecified New York synagogue. The Central Conference of American Rabbis expresses both horror and gratitude upon learning of the arrest.
While some attacks attributed to al-Saadi and his coconspirators have already been carried out in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium, including the arson of Hatzalah ambulances in London that seriously injured two Jewish men, global law enforcement led by the FBI thwarted the gravest dangers of the plot. Notably, al-Saadi was arrested in Turkey and turned over to American authorities for prosecution, Turkey’s antipathy toward Israel notwithstanding.
The CCAR commends local, state, federal, and international law enforcement, working diligently and cooperatively to stop threats from becoming deadly, including Secure Communities Network amidst the Jewish communal apparatus that works with law enforcement to prevent violence.
The CCAR is grateful to the Jewish professional colleagues and lay leaders of our communities who regularly guard and protect Jewish institutions and collaborate with CCAR rabbis to safeguard the communities we lead and serve together. We give thanks for the professionals and volunteers who regularly guard and protect Jewish institutions. To meet these needs, we stand with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism among a coalition of advocacy organizations calling for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
The CCAR also expresses gratitude for the Jewish Federations of North America and more than 400 Jewish leaders, including members of the CCAR, advocating in Washington, DC for $1 billion in funding to help secure and protect houses of worship and faith-based institutions across America.
We pray for the day when Jewish communal resources that must currently be dedicated to security may again be allocated to תורה עבודה וגמילות חסדים (Torah, avodah ugmilut chasadim), to the Torah, sacred worship, and the performance of acts of lovingkindness.
Rabbi David A. Lyon, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis
CCAR statements are grounded in the history of CCAR resolutions and platforms. We strive to represent the overall voice of the CCAR leadership and the Reform rabbinate on critical issues of the day. The CCAR is a diverse community of rabbis, and we recognize the multiplicity of viewpoints that exist within our membership. We encourage those of differing perspectives to engage in respectful dialogue. It is our hope that these statements provide the Reform community with deeper understanding of important issues that impact our lives as Jews and as global citizens.