Like the rest of the world, Hollywood is on high alert following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed at least 1,400 people and saw the abduction of hundreds of hostages into Gaza. The Jewish community in Hollywood, in particular, is concerned about their safety and has been requesting increased security measures. Kenneth Bombace of Global Threat Solutions, a security service provider for billionaires, stars, and Fortune 500 corporations, says they have received a sharp increase in requests from their Jewish clients. The rise in requests is a result of the fear that they could be targeted due to the ongoing antisemitism crisis.
Antisemitism in L.A. has been on the rise, and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a study in March showing a 30% increase in recorded incidents of anti-Jewish hate in 2022 compared to the previous year. This includes incidents of harassment, vandalism of businesses, synagogues, and schools, as well as assault. Kanye West’s anti-Jewish pronouncements were also cited as contributing to the growing antisemitic fervor nationally.
The Israel-Hamas war has further escalated anti-Jewish hostilities. In the two weeks since Oct. 7, the ADL Center on Extremism recorded 193 antisemitic incidents in the U.S., with 77 directly linked to the war. Additionally, more than 400 anti-Israel rallies have taken place countrywide, with 109 of them featuring explicit or strong implicit support for Hamas or violence against Jews in Israel. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt acknowledges that the rise in antisemitic incidents is not surprising given the hostilities between Hamas and Israel.
To address their safety concerns, L.A. synagogues, as well as Jewish events like weddings and bar mitzvahs, have requested increased security. This includes hiring armed guards, with one to five guards being hired per event. The goal is to give people peace of mind and to invest in their safety. The heightened security measures are not limited to the private sector, as the police have also increased their presence around Jewish institutions in L.A., Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
In addition to increased security personnel, clients are also rethinking their nonessential travel plans. Some high-profile Jewish executives have canceled trips to destinations that are perceived as unsafe. Requests for security personnel armed and available for “graveyard shifts” have surged, leading to a shortage of trained security personnel in the L.A. area. Security firms, like World Protection Group, have been on a hiring spree to meet the increased demand.
Threat monitoring has become crucial as unrest continues to intensify globally in response to the Israel-Hamas war. Security companies provide detailed reporting on potentially violent protests and their proximity to clients’ offices. Geofencing data alerts clients to potential assaults, shootings, and even hostile social media posts in their vicinity. Corporations are also seeking assistance in bringing employees back from the war zone, with security firms facilitating evacuations using various means of transportation.
While there is a popular image of “ex-Mossad” security guards being sought after by Hollywood clients, the reality is different. Mossad is primarily an intelligence agency, not a security agency. Security firms like Global Threat Solutions and World Protection Group take a different approach, focusing on providing trained personnel and assisting clients in obtaining weapons if desired. While some recommend pepper spray for vulnerable individuals, others suggest more drastic measures, including obtaining firearms.
The situation is expected to worsen, and Hollywood’s Jewish community and the entertainment industry as a whole are determined to prioritize their safety. The rise in antisemitic incidents, especially during times of hostilities, requires a vigilant approach to security. Whether it be through increased security personnel, threat monitoring, or personal protection methods, Hollywood is doing whatever it takes to ensure the safety of its Jewish community.