Las Vegas Jewish community on high alert following increase in violence across nation
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Under the backdrop of a 140% rise in hate crimes across the country – exemplified by Saturday’s violent clash with pro-Palestinian protesters outside of a Jewish synagogue in Los Angeles – the Jewish community in Las Vegas is on high alert.
“It’s very scary,” Rabbi Mendy Harlig of the Chabad in Green Valley said. “It’s very saddening.”
Harlig, whose congregants call him Rabbi Mendy, said he and other Jewish leaders are monitoring their security plan, including the number of officers and other measures put in place to protect those who attend synagogue.
“I don’t think we’re in danger,” Mendy said. “But I definitely think that we need to do different things to constantly be up to date on security.”
Rabbi Mendy said he has noticed an uptick in threatening behavior. Police interrupted the Chabad’s Passover Seder in April because someone called in reports of a hostage situation and over the last several months – specifically, since pro-Palestinian forces attacked innocent Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023 – Rabbi Mendy has noticed more threatening emails. He told the 8 News Now Investigators that the number of Jewish inpatients asking for him to visit them during his frequent trips to the hospital has tripled since the beginning of that war.
In Nevada, the amount of hate crimes is 30% higher than the national average, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen (D) – running for re-election and pushing bipartisan legislation to combat antisemitism – noted a 360% increase in antisemitic attacks in the U.S. since Oct. 7.
Rosen, known to be Israel’s most outspoken supporter in the Senate, responded to the news of Saturday’s skirmish outside of the Jewish Temple in Los Angeles by saying on X, formerly Twitter, “This must be called out for what it is: antisemitism, plain and simple. Dangerous incidents like this one are exactly why Congress needs to finally get serious about tackling rising antisemitism impacting communities across the country.”
Also in response to Saturday’s violent episode during which one person was arrested, Los Angeles’ interim police chief and mayor denounced the protests. LA Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement which said, in part, “I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a harbor for antisemitism and violence. Those responsible for either will be found and held accountable.”
At a press conference, interim LAPD police chief Dominic Choi said, “I just want to acknowledge that to the Jewish community. I hear you. I won’t say I understand your fear, but I know you are fearful and I hear that. No community anywhere should be in fear of going to a house of worship and have to wonder if they’re going to be attacked or stopped or questioned.”
In Las Vegas, in addition to monitoring the Chabad’s security plan, Rabbi Mendy advises his Congregation to stay vigilant, but also that it stay positive.
“We have to do our part, which is do acts of goodness and kindness, and be kind to other people, and do the right thing and take the high road, but not be afraid and not be intimidated,” he said.
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