COOPER CITY, Fla. — Private security is on high alert at Temple Beth Emet in Cooper City as leaders say they are responding to threats facing Jewish communities nationwide.

“Unfortunately, right now with what’s going on in the world, we’ve had to enhance security and take additional measures,” said Lewis Nadel, executive vice president of Temple Beth Emet. “We work very closely with the sheriff’s office, the FBI.”

Across Broward County, the sheriff’s office has increased patrols, coordinating with state and federal partners. Police departments in Miami-Dade are also visibly stationed outside temples and Jewish centers.

The heightened security comes as authorities continue investigating a Thursday attack on Temple Israel in Michigan.

Authorities said a Palestinian man armed with a rifle and explosives rammed his vehicle into the building, the state’s governor said. Security confronted the suspect, who was fatally shot at the scene.

“Those incidents are definitely a big red flag for us,” said Lior Ofir, chief operating officer of the Jewish Federation of Broward. “This is our responsibility — to really be proactive. It only takes one lone wolf to disrupt the environment and the dynamics.”

Nadel acknowledged the challenge.

“Is it frustrating? Yes, it’s frustrating — but is this the world we’re living in today? Unfortunately, right now, these are the times we have to deal with.”

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