Faith, security and the aftermath of October 7

Despite its affluence and strong infrastructure of synagogues, schools and cultural institutions, the community has not been immune to the ripple effects of recent events in Israel, which have deepened its sense of vulnerability while also strengthening its unity and resolve.

Palm Beach has long been a hub of Jewish life, characterized by its thriving institutions and a rapidly growing young demographic. Families with children represent the fastest-growing sector of the Jewish population, and there has been an increasing demand for Jewish education, synagogues and community programs. However, the surge in antisemitism—both globally and locally—has cast a shadow over this progress.

"A growing number of our constituents are afraid to wear public symbols to express their Jewishness," Hoffman states. "We are seeing an increasing number of incidents such as vandalism, throwing leaflets with antisemitic tropes on people’s driveways and even swastikas projected onto buildings."

In response, the community has taken action, forming the Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism and Hatred and working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of local Jews. Additionally, significant funds have been allocated to security enhancements for Jewish institutions.

Despite these threats, there has been an unprecedented 40% increase in engagement with Jewish life since October 7. More parents are choosing Jewish education for their children, and many who were previously disconnected from organized Jewish life are now seeking community and solidarity.

Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens, led by Rabbi Dovid Vigler and Rebbetzin Chana Vigler, has played a crucial role in this resurgence. The couple, who co-founded the Chabad center, have dedicated themselves to inspiring Jews to reconnect with their heritage. Rabbi Vigler describes Palm Beach as one of the safest places for Jews outside of Israel, thanks to strong governmental and law enforcement support.

"Our Palm Beach Gardens police force tells us that if there were to be a pro-Hamas demonstration in this area, they wouldn’t last more than 15 seconds because they would be violating a law and would be pulled off the streets immediately," Rabbi Vigler emphasizes.

At the same time, Chabad faces the immense challenge of engaging thousands of Jewish families who have become disconnected from their faith. Many individuals, shaped by negative experiences in their youth, vowed never to return to a synagogue after their bar or bat mitzvah.

"Our job is to lovingly bring them home, to put an arm on their shoulder, and to show them that they matter. People don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care," Rabbi Vigler states.

Rebbetzin Chana Vigler highlights another aspect of the community’s uniqueness: many Palm Beach Jews have achieved financial success but only later in life realize they are missing a deeper sense of purpose.

"Some people are so poor that all they have is money," she reflects. "And we really find that a lot here—that people realize at a certain stage in life that money isn’t everything. Without meaning, purpose and fulfillment, they just feel empty."

Chabad provides a space for individuals to explore their faith, engage in study and participate in world-class speaker events featuring voices from across the Jewish spectrum. The community is diverse, and Chabad fosters an environment where observance is embraced on an individual level, without divisive labels.

One of the greatest challenges, she notes, is the social isolation that wealth often brings.

"Everybody lives in their own mansion and doesn’t really connect with each other. But once they come here and meet each other, they actually make friends, and all of a sudden, they find their life enriched in ways they never imagined."

“Having the president of the United States living in Palm Beach County at Mar-a-Lago has also deeply impacted the community," Rabbi Vigler remarks. "Here at Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens, we host our annual golf charity event at Trump International Golf Club. This year, President Trump joined our event and met an American hostage who had been held in Gaza. He gave his full support to the hostages and to Israel, emphasizing that Israel must do whatever is necessary to bring them home and restore security."

Trump’s residence in Palm Beach has helped solidify Florida as a politically and culturally significant stronghold, particularly in terms of its relationship with Israel and its Jewish population. Many Palm Beach Jews feel a strong sense of security due to the state’s policies and the police force’s dedication to protecting Jewish institutions.

The October 7 attacks have acted as a catalyst for Jewish unity in Palm Beach. While antisemitism has escalated, so too has Jewish pride and participation. The Jewish Federation, Chabad and other community organizations are seizing this moment to strengthen Jewish identity, educate the next generation and create a sense of solidarity that will endure long into the future.

The Jewish community of Palm Beach stands at a crossroads—facing real threats but also unprecedented opportunities. As Rabbi Vigler puts it, the key challenge is not just combating external hate but ensuring that every Jew feels seen, valued and inspired. In the face of adversity, the Jews of Palm Beach are not retreating; they are building, growing and reaffirming their place in the world.