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Synagogues, Jewish community centers, and schools across North America and Europe are on high alert following the joint U.S.-Israel preemptive strikes on Iran early Saturday, February 28, 2026. The attacks, targeting Iranian military sites, nuclear facilities, and regime infrastructure, prompted immediate Iranian retaliation with missile barrages toward Israel, triggering nationwide sirens, shelter orders, school closures, and public gathering bans there.

In the U.S., law enforcement—including the NYPD—has ramped up patrols at sensitive locations, explicitly including synagogues, Jewish community centers, and schools, out of caution for potential retaliatory threats or inspired violence. Israel's National Security Council issued urgent warnings to Israelis and Jews abroad, advising heightened vigilance, avoidance of unprotected Jewish-associated sites like synagogues or Chabad houses, and reporting suspicious activity amid risks of Iranian-linked attacks or proxy actions.

This echoes historical patterns where Middle East escalations lead to antisemitic threats, including bomb threats and harassment against Jewish institutions. Security organizations urge reviewing emergency protocols, coordinating with local authorities, and maintaining situational awareness. As the conflict unfolds, these communities face elevated risks from homegrown extremists or asymmetric retaliation, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard daily life and worship.

Purim

The Jewish festival of Purim will begin at sundown on March 2, 2026, and will end at nightfall on March 3, 2026. Synagogues will be packed.

Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them, as recounted in the Book of Esther. It is celebrated with festive meals, giving gifts of food, charitable donations, and reading the Scroll of Esther.