It’s that time of year: American Jews are gathering with their communities after summer breaks, walking their children to the first day of school, and preparing for High Holy Day celebrations later in September into early October. However, for millions of Jews across the land, these basic acts of American life come with a price tag.

 

“For you to walk your child to a synagogue down the street – you have to pay for extra security,” Leo Terrell, the head of the Justice Department’s Antisemitism Task Force, told hundreds of college students at the Israel on Campus Coalition Summit in July. “It makes no sense. It’s unfair. It’s wrong. I find it offensive that it’s being allowed throughout this country. I’m doing everything I can to eliminate it.”

 

Terrell called this burden what it is: a “Jewish tax.” He’s right. And Congress must act. 

 

Read more in The Jerusalem Post.