The history of antisemitism, often called "the longest hatred", has included many violent attacks on Jewish institutions such as synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, and the headquarters of Jewish organizations.
Attacks
DateTargetLocationPerpetrator (motive)Details11 April 1956Shafrir synagogueKfar Chabad, IsraelPalestinian fedayeen (Palestinian nationalism)Shafrir synagogue shooting: As part of the Palestinian Fedayeen insurgency, three Palestinian militants who crossed into Israel from Egypt attacked the study hall of a synagogue while it was full of children and teenagers, killing 6 people, including 5 children.September 1958Malakhovka synagogue Malakhovka, Moscow Oblast, Soviet UnionUnknownOne elderly woman killed.25 March 1960Congregation Beth Israel (Gadsden, Alabama)Gadsden, Alabama, United StatesJerry Hunt (white supremacy and antisemitism)Congregation Beth Israel attack: About 180 members were attending a Friday evening service to dedicate the new Zemurray Social Hall, and led by then-rabbi Saul Rubin and Rev. John Speaks and Dr. Franklin Denson of First Methodist Church, when 16year-old neo-Nazi firebombed the synagogue. He then non-fatally shot two synagogue members who went outside to investigate.11 January 1969Congregation Shaare TikvahTemple Hills, Maryland, United StatesDavid Marness (possibly right-wing extremism linked to the Minutemen organization)A bomb planted in the rear wall of Congregation Shaare Tikvah, Temple Hills, Maryland severely damaged the kitchen, social hall, and classrooms, with damages estimated at $200,000. There were no casualties or injuries. Police arrested David Maness in February and found 38 pounds of dynamite and literature from the right-wing Minutemen organization in his home.8 October 1977Shaare Zedek SynagogueSt. Louis, Missouri, United StatesJoseph Paul Franklin (white supremacy and antisemitism)Shaare Zedek Synagogue shooting: Joseph Paul Franklin fired upon congregants leaving a bar mitzvah, killing Gerald Gordon and wounding Steven Goldman and William Ash.11 March 1977B'nai B'rith headquartersWashington, D.C., United StatesHamaas Abdul Khaalis and 12 associated gunmen (Hanafi movement)1977 Washington, D.C., attack and hostage taking: Twelve gunmen took 149 hostages at the B'nai B'rith headquarters and two other buildings in Washington, D.C. After a 39-hour standoff, the gunmen surrendered the hostages were released.July 1980Congregation Shaare TikvahTemple Hills, Maryland, United StatesVandals broke into the building and attempted to firebomb the bima and ark, but the synagogue's alarm system alerted the Prince George's County Police, who arrived within minutes, thwarting the attack and minimizing the damage.29 August 1981StadttempelVienna, AustriaMarwan Hasan and Hesham Mohammed Rajeh (Palestinian nationalism)1981 Vienna synagogue attack: Two Palestinian nationals entered the 155-year old Israelite Temple, posing as Jews, opening fire and threw grenades as attendees of a Bar Mitzvah. Two were killed and 18 were wounded. The assailants received life sentences.Palestinians get life in Austrian Slayings, The New York Times, January 22, 1982