(Jewish Group) Black and Jewish communities are under attack: Here's how we protect ourselves

Recent months have not been easy for the Black and Jewish communities in the United States. Even before a racially motivated gunman in Buffalo killed 10 African-Americans, the FBI reported 57 bomb threats to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) since January. The Jewish community endured at least 42 bomb threats since January 1, mostly at Jewish community centers, according to a count kept by the Secure Community Network (SCN). In January, an armed attacker held four Jews hostage at a Colleyville, Texas synagogue for 11 hours.

No threats of violence or intimidation will prevent the education of Black students or the religious expression of Jewish individuals. Our communities have faced racism and antisemitism for decades without shuttering our campuses or closing our doors. We shall always overcome, but we need help to do so.

We need more security funding to adequately protect our communities.

We face one of the most complex and dynamic threat environments in our nation’s history. Whether the threats and attacks come from domestic extremists or international terrorists, it is essential that our security efforts outpace criminals in terms of preparation, resources and sophistication.

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