Gary Torgow, chair of the Jewish Federations of North America and a longtime leader in Detroit’s Jewish community, said Thursday’s attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield was a painful reminder that antisemitism remains an active danger to Jewish life in the United States.
“Today’s heinous attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, is a frightening and painful reminder that antisemitism continues to be a real and present threat to our Jewish communities,” Torgow told The Jerusalem Post.
“We are thankful to the Almighty that there were no serious injuries and grateful for the swift response of security and law enforcement that prevented what could have been a terrible tragedy.
“We must remain strong, vigilant, and united against terror and hate. Our federation system continues to be committed to strengthening security for all of our institutions and ensuring that Jewish life everywhere can be lived openly and securely.”
Torgow spoke to the Post after authorities said an armed man rammed a vehicle into the synagogue and was fatally shot by security personnel.
Temple Israel described as US's largest Reform synagogue
The attack took place at Temple Israel, which serves about 12,000 members and is widely described as the largest Reform synagogue in the United States. The building, which also houses a childcare center, went into lockdown during the incident, and authorities said no children or staff were seriously injured.
Torgow’s comments carried added weight in Detroit, where he is one of the Jewish community’s best-known philanthropic and civic figures. He currently serves as chair of Jewish Federations of North America, the umbrella body representing Jewish federations across the US and Canada, and is also chairman of Huntington Bank.
The incident sent shockwaves through Michigan’s Jewish community and renewed concerns about the security of synagogues, schools, and other communal institutions.