The cost of protecting Jewish life in the United States has climbed above $1 billion annually, with thousands of shuls, schools and other communal institutions now devoting substantial resources simply to keeping their buildings and communities safe.

New data released by the Jewish Federations of North America estimates annual security spending at approximately $1.015 billion across more than 4,500 Jewish communal institutions, including shuls, schools, community centers, summer camps and nonprofit organizations. That works out to roughly $225,000 per institution and represents a 33% increase from the organization's previous $765 million estimate for 2024.

The billion-dollar figure includes money coming from both public and private sources, with security personnel — including guards and security directors — accounting for the largest portion of the expense. The estimate was developed using information including federal grant data, institutional data and security-industry benchmarks.

Even the enormous $1.015 billion total does not represent the full cost of securing Jewish life. The analysis excludes privately owned Jewish businesses, including more than 1,600 kosher restaurants, approximately 500 kosher markets and grocery stores, as well as Judaica stores and Jewish bookstores.

The growing expense comes as Jewish institutions across the country have increasingly invested in guards, surveillance systems, reinforced facilities, security directors, training and other protective measures amid continuing threats and antisemitic attacks.

JFNA President and CEO Eric Fingerhut said the sharp increase illustrates the growing burden being placed on Jewish communities, noting that money spent on guards and cameras is consequently unavailable for Jewish education, care for the elderly and other communal needs.

The organization is calling for increased federal assistance, including full funding of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, as Jewish communities continue confronting the extraordinary cost of protecting shuls, schools and other institutions throughout the country