FBI director Christopher Wray says the agency is on alert for potential threats against Jewish Americans ahead of Passover next week.

“Today, we at the bureau remain particularly concerned that lone actors could target large gatherings, high-profile events, or symbolic or religious locations for violence — particularly a concern, of course, as we look to the start of Passover on Monday evening,” Wray told attendees at a Wednesday event hosted by the Secure Community Network (SCN), a Jewish security organization.

“Between October 7 and January 30 of this year, we opened over three times more anti-Jewish hate crime investigations than in the four months before October 7,” Wray said. “And, of course, that’s on top of what was already an increase from the previous year.” 

Wray’s warning comes after a new report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) found antisemitic incidents more than doubled last year. The group recorded 8,873 antisemitic cases of assault, harassment, and vandalism — the highest total since the ADL began tracking incidents 45 years ago.

“Antisemitism is nothing short of a national emergency, a five-alarm fire that is still raging across the country and in our local communities and campuses,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.

Meanwhile, SCN national director CEO Michael Masters sought to reassure the Jewish community amid the uptick in antisemitic hate.

“Unprecedented threats do not need to equate to unnecessary fear or panic,” Master said, adding the public can “rest assured that those focused on the safety and security of the community are maintaining a laser-like focus on this so Jewish life can exist and thrive.”