FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As tensions escalate in the Middle East following Israel’s strike on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attack, religious institutions across South Florida are heightening security ahead of weekend services and events.
Rabbi Schneur Kaplan, who leads the Downtown Jewish Center Chabad in Fort Lauderdale, said he is taking no chances as his congregation prepares to host a bar mitzvah this weekend.
“We maintain a pretty high level (of) security and that’s always,” Kaplan said. “In addition to what we do usually, we will have just an extra layer of security, extra eyes and ears to look out and make sure that everything is just calm.”
Several synagogues, churches, and mosques in the region have added uniformed officers, private security personnel and enhanced monitoring. Some have also advised their congregants to remain alert and report anything suspicious.
“It’s really all about situational awareness,” said Wayne Black, a security expert who has decades of experience in law enforcement. “People need to be aware of their surroundings and pay attention — and of course, see something, say something.”
Black, who runs a Miami-based investigative and security firm, said the concern extends beyond religious gatherings.
“We’re worried about actors here that will be angered by what’s happening over there and decide to take action — either lone wolves, known wolves, or groups," he said.
Local Jewish leaders say the fear is not just about political fallout — it’s personal. Many in South Florida have close family ties to Israel.
“There are repercussions to eliminating that threat,” said Audra Berg, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County. “And right now our friends and family are in their safe rooms, and there are rockets flying overhead. It’s really scary.”
The increased security presence comes amid a fragile and fast-moving international crisis.
While leaders abroad weigh their next moves, community leaders in Florida are focused on staying vigilant and keeping worshippers safe.
Local 10 News has also reached out to Iranian-American groups in South Florida to get their perspective on the latest developments in the region.
For now, officials say the next few days could be tense, especially for those with loved ones overseas.
