ATLANTA — A conflict in the Middle East is felt thousands of miles away --- even as close as Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta. Rabbi Ari Kaiman has worked to secure the silent sanctuary for years, and now, more than ever.
"These atrocities have caused a shockwave across the whole world," Kaiman said. "We are also, I think, at a heightened state of awareness and recognition of those who hate us and seek to blame us for the traumas of the world."
Genea Moore, executive director of Shearith Israel, said the synagogue had already employed armed security to give worshippers protection and peace of mind. She said they were considering adding more unarmed security in the wake of the war in Israel.
"We are well aware that this is a crazy time, and we don’t want to go overboard and have a bunch of cop cars outside," Moore said. "But we want people in our congregation and community to know that we’re thinking about it, we’re trying to figure out ways to make them more safe, and as comfortable as they have been in the past."
Officials describe the violence as an unprecedented attack from Hamas on Israel. The war has claimed more than 2,300 lives on both sides. People near and afar are concerned.
The FBI's Atlanta division is on the lookout for how the situation abroad may impact the Atlanta area. Supervisor Special Agent Keith Kabrhel works with the FBI's public corruption and civil rights departments. He said the FBI works with the local law enforcement and faith leaders across metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia to stay on top of any threats that may come against houses of worship, including churches, synagogues and mosques.
"Any threat to a house of worship is a civil rights violation, so that makes it a violation of federal law," Kabrhel said. "Since the conflict began, we haven't seen any increase here in Atlanta. That's because I think we have a very cohesive community between the different cultures here in Atlanta. We're very much a melting pot."
Kabrhel urged leaders and worshippers like Rabbi Kaiman to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary to protect their peace in a time of war.
"'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,' as Dr. King said," Kaiman said. "We pray for the day in which no one feels afraid because of who they are and what they believe. Every person has the right to worship God in the way they choose. Every person has the right to live a dignified and full life, so we stand together with all people who feel afraid just as they stand with us in our moment of fear.”