FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed concerns on Wednesday regarding the potential targeting of large gatherings, high-profile events, or symbolic locations by lone actors before the onset of Pesach.
During a briefing organized by the Secure Community Network, Wray emphasized the need for sustained vigilance, stating, “This is not a time for panic, but it is a time for continued vigilance.”
Wray highlighted a concerning trend, noting a significant increase in threats against Jewish Americans. He revealed that the FBI initiated three times more investigations into anti-Jewish hate crimes between October and January than in the preceding four months.
The FBI director underscored the disruptive nature of hoaxes, including fake bomb threats and active shooter scenarios, which not only disrupt activities but also instill fear within communities.
Wray reiterated concerns shared with US lawmakers over the past six months, emphasizing heightened calls from foreign terror organizations to attack the US and its allies, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
Referring to the recent attack on Israel by Iran, Wray urged vigilance against potential threats stemming from Iran or its proxies, both domestically and internationally, due to the volatile global environment.
The FBI chief’s remarks follow the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) publication of a report revealing an unprecedented rise in antisemitic incidents across the US in 2023, surpassing any recorded data in the last 45 years.
According to the ADL, there were 8,873 incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism targeting Jewish individuals and institutions, representing a 140% increase compared to 2022, which was already considered a peak year for antisemitic events.
The ADL’s analysis highlighted a dramatic surge of 5,204 antisemitic incidents after October 7, reflecting global trends amid heightened tension and hostility towards Jewish communities.
In response to the escalating antisemitism, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced the Countering Antisemitism Act. Senators Jacky Rosen and James Lankford, along with Representatives Kathy Manning, Chris Smith, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Randy Weber, proposed legislation aimed at combating domestic antisemitism.
The proposed bill seeks to appoint a federal coordinator to oversee efforts to combat domestic antisemitism and establish an interagency task force to ensure collaboration between government agencies in addressing this issue.
{Matzav.com}
WHITE supremacy is thee greatest threat facing this Nation. Mr. Wray ought to stay focused on whitey and not worry so much about perceived anti semitism.