During March 2026, a series of attacks and antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish and Israeli sites were recorded worldwide, alongside foiled plots and arrests indicating ongoing intentions to carry out additional attacks.

In Europe, several explosive attacks were carried out. On March 9, an explosive device detonated outside a synagogue on Rue Léon Frédéricq in Liège, Belgium. On March 13, a synagogue in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was set on fire following an explosion.[1] On March 14, another explosive device detonated outside a Jewish school in Amsterdam. Additionally, an attack against a Jewish site was reported in Greece.[2] Another incident occurred on March 22, when vehicles belonging to the Jewish emergency organization “Hatzalah Northwest” were set on fire in a parking lot near a synagogue in London.[3] While these incidents caused no casualties, they resulted in damage to property and infrastructure.[4]

At the same time, additional antisemitic incidents were recorded across European cities, including Milan, Italy (March 1),[5] Sarcelles, France (March 6),[6] Antwerp, Belgium (March 13),[7] and others.

According to a report by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, the attacks in Europe earlier in the month were carried out by an organization called “Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia,” established during the previous round of conflict between Israel and Iran and supported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The group was reportedly intended to target Jewish sites in Europe and had previously operated as an Iraqi militia designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. The timing of the attacks – just over a week after reports of the militia leader’s assassination – raises suspicion that they were acts of retaliation.[8]

North America also experienced escalation. In Canada, shootings were carried out against three synagogues in early March: on March 2 at Temple Emanu-El in Toronto, and on March 6-7 at two additional synagogues in Ontario.[9]

In the United States, multiple antisemitic incidents were recorded, culminating on March 12 when a vehicle crashed into a building in Michigan housing the “Temple Israel” synagogue, as well as Jewish schools and kindergartens[10]. According to reports, the driver opened fire and was killed during an exchange of fire with security personnel.[11] Explosive materials were later found in the vehicle.[12]

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated that prior warnings had been received, and that the facility’s staff demonstrated high vigilance despite the absence of a concrete threat alert.[13] It is noteworthy that in January 2026, the FBI had trained staff at the site in active shooter response.[14]

The attacker, Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, aged 41, originally from the village of Musharrafieh in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley,[15] an area known for Hezbollah presence, immigrated to the United States in 2011 and obtained citizenship through marriage. The investigation indicates he acted out of revenge following the killing of family members in an Israeli strike in Lebanon on March 5, which killed two of his brothers, members of Hezbollah’s rocket unit. Following the incident, he withdrew socially and ceased working. Shortly before the attack, he contacted his ex-wife to ask her to care for their children, prompting her to alert relatives and authorities.[16]

Conflicting reports exist regarding his background. Some sources indicate he had been flagged in U.S. databases due to suspected links to Hezbollah-affiliated individuals, though he was not formally identified as a member of Hezbollah.[17] Two days before the attack, Ghazali purchased fireworks worth over $2,000, likely used along with flammable materials to construct explosives.[18]

One security guard was injured in the incident, and additional personnel were treated for smoke inhalation. The FBI classified the attack as a hate crime and “targeted violence against the Jewish community,” and government officials, including the President, pledged a thorough investigation.[19]

The March incidents reflect a broader trend evident in preceding months. A report by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism noted that most recorded incidents between February 18 and March 11 were antisemitic (25), alongside hostile pro-Palestinian activity (14), neo-Nazi activity (1), and delegitimization/BDS activity (1). These incidents spanned multiple regions, including North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.[20]

Notable earlier incidents include the arson of a synagogue in Mississippi in January 2026[21] and the deadly shooting attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, in December 2025.[22]

Alongside attacks, there has been an increase in thwarted plots and preventive activity by law enforcement. On March 6, ten suspects were arrested in London for allegedly surveilling the Jewish community, reportedly under Iranian direction. Among the arrested suspects, an Iranian citizen and three of a British-Iranian citizenship.[23] In another incident, on March 10, two suspects were observed outside a synagogue in Trondheim, Norway – one was arrested while the other escaped.[24]

Insights and Conclusions

The data and events reviewed above yield several key insights that point to the nature of the threat and its implications for the security of Jewish and Israeli communities worldwide. First and foremost, this appears to be a persistent, large-scale, and multi-theater phenomenon that has intensified significantly since the events of October 7, 2023, and the military campaigns that followed, with particular emphasis on Operation “Roaring Lion”. A recent study by the Anti-Defamation League indicates an exceptional scope of exposure to antisemitism in the United States. According to the report, approximately 55% of Jews in the United States reported experiencing at least one antisemitic incident during the period 2024-2025, while roughly 18% experienced direct harm, including physical assault, threats, or verbal harassment. In addition, 36% reported having witnessed actual antisemitic violence or threats of violence, a figure indicating the broad presence of violent manifestations in the public sphere. The report further indicates that 79% of respondents are concerned about the phenomenon, and approximately 57% believe that antisemitism has become a “normal” part of Jewish life worldwide. At the same time, about 74% of victims do not report these incidents, pointing to a gap between the actual scope of the phenomenon and the official data, as well as to a higher potential for escalation that is not always documented.[25]

In this context, the Jewish community has become a preferred target for both violence and inciting rhetoric, in both the online and physical spheres. There is a close connection between the escalation of anti-Zionist and antisemitic discourse and the transition to actual violence. This is not merely an indirect effect of regional events, but rather a cumulative process in which inflammatory public discourse, together with the systematic dissemination of inciting content on social media, creates an enabling environment that increases the perceived legitimacy of harming Israelis, Jews, and their institutions around the world. These trends translate, inter alia, into a rise in calls for violence[26] and a growing willingness to act, as reflected in the attacks themselves. In this regard, it should be emphasized that the scope of the threat is not limited to “classic” Jewish institutions such as synagogues or schools, but also extends to open civilian spaces and communal events, such as the attack in Bondi Beach, Australia.

These trends are also reflected in prominent operational patterns, including the “lone wolf” model, in which an attacker acts independently without the direct involvement of an organization but on the basis of ideological inspiration, and, second, decentralized networks of local cells operating under remote inspiration or direction. These models pose challenges for security and intelligence systems, as they reduce the intelligence warning “signature” and diminish the ability to prevent attacks in advance. From an operational perspective, it is becoming increasingly clear that a significant proportion of these threats is based on inspiration and guidance disseminated through digital platforms. Such content does not merely constitute ideological incitement; at times, it also includes practical knowledge for carrying out attacks. This trend reinforces the “lone actor” model and the local cell, both of which operate independently while relying on a global ideological infrastructure.

Alongside extremist Islamist ideologies, activity by far-right actors has also been recorded, combining ideological antisemitism with additional motives. These patterns are at times characterized by operational similarities, particularly the use of simple and accessible means such as arson, attacks in public spaces, or attacks on community institutions – features that recur across several arenas.

With regard to motivations, the incidents point to a wide range of drivers, from organized ideological direction, including the involvement of pro-Iranian actors and even an element of Iranian revenge in the international arena, through inspiration drawn from public and digital discourse, to personal motives such as a desire for revenge. This combination of personal motivations and the broader context of regional conflicts underscores the complexity of early threat identification. It should also be emphasized that state actors possess operational capabilities beyond their borders, which intersect with the activity of local networks and individuals, thereby reinforcing the multi-layered nature of the threat.

From a definitional perspective, it is evident that some of these incidents fall along the spectrum between hate crimes and terrorism, and the distinction between the two is not always clear. While hate crimes, like terrorist attacks, may involve violence, unlike terrorism they may also manifest in non-violent activity or in conduct involving relatively low levels of violence, such as verbal harassment and similar forms of abuse.[27]

The arrests carried out in various countries, such as the arrest of suspects in London on suspicion of surveilling the Jewish community, or the arrest of suspects following the arson attack on the synagogue in Rotterdam,[28] indicate the existence of an active infrastructure involved in planning additional attacks. These cases reinforce the understanding that some threats do not materialize in practice only because of preventive action by security authorities.

These incidents should not be viewed as isolated events, but rather as part of a broader and ongoing campaign. The accumulation of attacks and foiled plots in Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia points to a global pattern of activity linked, inter alia, to the regional tension between Israel and Iran and its proxies, particularly Hezbollah.

Finally, the overall body of evidence points to a growing need for enhanced security preparedness among Jewish communities worldwide. Although many institutions have already strengthened their security measures,[29] the nature of the threat requires a multi-layered response that includes warning mechanisms, dynamic risk assessment, and operational preparedness, alongside community awareness and cooperation with law-enforcement authorities. Particular emphasis should also be placed on monitoring incitement in the digital sphere, which constitutes a central factor in motivating individuals to act.

In conclusion, the incidents reviewed are not exceptional in and of themselves, but rather reflect a broader global trend of intensifying threats against Jewish and Israeli targets abroad. This trend necessitates a renewed examination of security concepts and of responses to antisemitism and anti-Israeli hostility in the current era, while recognizing the range between incitement, hate crimes, and terrorism, as well as the interplay between state actors, decentralized networks, and individuals acting under their influence.

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[1] Aichner, I. (2026, March 13). Canada, Belgium, the U.S. – and now the Netherlands: A synagogue in Rotterdam was set on fire [Hebrew]. Ynet. https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/syzavfwq11e

[2] Aichner, I. (2026, March 15). The Netherlands, Belgium, Greece: This is the organization operating against Jews in Europe [Hebrew]. Ynet. https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bjlalcecwe; Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 16). Diaspora tri-weekly report: Antisemitism and delegitimization of Israel, incidents, developments, and trends, 18/02-11/03/2026 [Hebrew]. https://did.li/Lthba

[3] Kogan, D. (2026, March 23). Starmer: “The vehicle arson in London was a shocking antisemitic attack” [Hebrew]. Israel Hayom. https://www.israelhayom.co.il/news/world-news/europe/article/20174789; Rosenzweig, A. (2026, March 23). Serious antisemitic incident: Masked men set fire to ambulances belonging to Jews in London. [Hebrew]. N12. https://www.mako.co.il/news-world/2026_q1/Article-621ec9fe2881d91027.htm

[4] Aichner, I. (2026, March 15). The Netherlands, Belgium, Greece: This is the organization operating against Jews in Europe [Hebrew]. Ynet. https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bjlalcecwe; Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 16). Diaspora tri-weekly report: Antisemitism and delegitimization of Israel, incidents, developments, and trends, 18/02-11/03/2026 [Hebrew]. https://did.li/Lthba

[5] Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 16). Diaspora tri-weekly report: Antisemitism and delegitimization of Israel, incidents, developments, and trends, 18/02-11/03/2026 [Hebrew]. https://did.li/Lthba; Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 15). Collection of antisemitic incidents, “Roaring Lion”. [Hebrew]. https://did.li/ae7Iw

[6] Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 16). Diaspora tri-weekly report: Antisemitism and delegitimization of Israel, incidents, developments, and trends, 18/02-11/03/2026 [Hebrew]. https://did.li/Lthba; Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 15). Collection of antisemitic incidents, “Roaring Lion”. [Hebrew]. https://did.li/ae7Iw

[7] Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 15). Belgium – Haredi teen assaulted in Antwerp in a suspected antisemitic attack [Hebrew]. https://did.li/OjPx5

[8] Aichner, I. (2026, March 15). The Netherlands, Belgium, Greece: This is the organization operating against Jews in Europe [Hebrew]. Ynet. https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bjlalcecwe

[9] Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 15). Belgium – Haredi teen assaulted in Antwerp in a suspected antisemitic attack [Hebrew]. https://did.li/OjPx5; Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 15). Collection of antisemitic incidents, “Roaring Lion”. [Hebrew]. https://did.li/ae7Iw

[10] Brands, R., & Margalit, I. (2026, March 13). The Michigan attack: The suspect’s two brothers were Hezbollah operatives and were killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon [Hebrew]. KAN News. https://www.kan.org.il/content/kan-news/global/1011651/; Buczek, J. (2026, March 13). Suspect in Detroit-area synagogue attack is dead, officials say. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/police-respond-active-shooter-situation-at-temple-israel/

[11] The FBI announced that the terrorist died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and not as a result of the encounter with security personnel. See: Buczek, J. (2026, March 13). Suspect in Detroit-area synagogue attack is dead, officials say. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/police-respond-active-shooter-situation-at-temple-israel/; Haworth, J., Pereira, I., & Deliso, M. (2026, March 14). Motive still under investigation in Michigan synagogue attack as fuller timeline emerges. ABC News. https://abcnews.com/US/suspect-michigan-synagogue-attack-lost-family-israeli-strike/story?id=131031752

[12] Frid, S., Aichner, I., & Edelson, D. (2026, March 12). Michigan: A vehicle rammed the synagogue door, the driver opened fire — and was killed [Hebrew]. Ynet. https://www.ynet.co.il/judaism/article/hki9lol9bl

[13] Frid, S., Aichner, I., & Edelson, D. (2026, March 12). Michigan: A vehicle rammed the synagogue door, the driver opened fire — and was killed [Hebrew]. Ynet. https://www.ynet.co.il/judaism/article/hki9lol9bl

[14] FBI Detroit (2026, January 30). FBI Detroit led an Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) training for the clergy and staff of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. X. https://x.com/fbidetroit/status/2017244001225564419?s=46

[15] Haworth, J., Pereira, I., & Deliso, M. (2026, March 14). Motive still under investigation in Michigan synagogue attack as fuller timeline emerges. ABC News. https://abcnews.com/US/suspect-michigan-synagogue-attack-lost-family-israeli-strike/story?id=131031752; Shahar, O., & Guttman, N. (2026, March 13). The shooting and ramming at the Michigan synagogue: “The line of inquiry is a violent incident against the Jewish community” [Hebrew]. KAN News. https://www.kan.org.il/content/kan-news/global/1011360/

[16] Freiman, J., Tanyos, F., Schecter, A., Quraishi, A., & Montoya-Galvez, C. (2026, March 13). Suspect in Michigan synagogue attack lost family in recent airstrike in Lebanon, sources say. Here’s what we know. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/synagogue-shooting-michigan-what-we-know/; Leon, A. (2026, March 14). New details on the attack at the synagogue in the U.S.: The call that raised red flags [Hebrew]. Maariv. https://www.maariv.co.il/news/world/article-1296075

[17] Brands, R., & Margalit, I. (2026, March 13). The Michigan attack: The suspect’s two brothers were Hezbollah operatives and were killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon [Hebrew]. KAN News. https://www.kan.org.il/content/kan-news/global/1011651/;

[18] Haworth, J., Pereira, I., & Deliso, M. (2026, March 14). Motive still under investigation in Michigan synagogue attack as fuller timeline emerges. ABC News. https://abcnews.com/US/suspect-michigan-synagogue-attack-lost-family-israeli-strike/story?id=131031752; Leon, A. (2026, March 14). New details on the attack at the synagogue in the U.S.: The call that raised red flags [Hebrew]. Maariv. https://www.maariv.co.il/news/world/article-1296075

[19] House, K., Erb, R., & James, J. D. (2026, March 12). Michigan synagogue attack: FBI investigating as ‘targeted act of violence’. Bridge Michigan. https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-synagogue-attack-police-respond-to-shots-fired-truck-crash/

[20] [20] Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 16). Diaspora tri-weekly report: Antisemitism and delegitimization of Israel, incidents, developments, and trends, 18/02-11/03/2026 [Hebrew]. https://did.li/Lthba

[21] Aichner, I., & Associated Press (2026, January 11). Torah scrolls went up in flames: The largest synagogue in Mississippi was set on fire [Hebrew]. Ynet. https://www.ynet.co.il/judaism/article/b1ykhe11bze

[22] ICT Researchers (2025, December 24). The Sydney attack as a warning: Understanding the growing threat to Jewish communities worldwide. https://ict.org.il/the-sydney-attack-as-a-warning-understanding-the-growing-threat-to-jewish-communities-worldwide/

[23] Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism (2026, March 15). Collection of antisemitic incidents, “Roaring Lion”. [Hebrew]. https://did.li/ae7Iw

[24] Aichner, I. (2026, March 13). Canada, Belgium, the U.S. – and now the Netherlands: A synagogue in Rotterdam was set on fire [Hebrew]. Ynet. https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/syzavfwq11e

[25] Anti-Defamation League & Jewish Federations of North America (2025, October 6). Portrait of antisemitic experiences in the U.S., 2024-2025. https://www.adl.org/resources/report/portrait-antisemitic-experiences-us-2024-2025

[26] Freiman, J., Tanyos, F., Schecter, A., Quraishi, A., & Montoya-Galvez, C. (2026, March 13). Suspect in Michigan synagogue attack lost family in recent airstrike in Lebanon, sources say. Here’s what we know. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/synagogue-shooting-michigan-what-we-know/

[27] Ganor, B., Weimann, G., Atiyas-Lvovsky, L., and Ganor, D. (November 2022). Defining hate: terrorism, hate crimes and far-right extremism – a perspective from Israel. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute. pp 19-32. https://did.li/je7Iw

[28] Aichner, I. (2026, March 15). The Netherlands, Belgium, Greece: This is the organization operating against Jews in Europe [Hebrew]. Ynet. https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bjlalcecwe

[29] White, E., & Izaguirre, A. (2026, March 14). Before recent attack, Michigan synagogue had been bolstering its security. ABC12.https://www.abc12.com/news/state/before-recent-attack-michigan-synagogue-had-been-bolstering-its-security/article_2563c153-c965-5b9c-90df-dac15b304be4.html