Gen-Z Rabbi Tackles Antisemitism with AI Security Startup to Protect Jewish Communities

As antisemitism surges across the United States, a young New York rabbi, Rabbi Yossi Eliav, is harnessing the power of AI to protect Jewish institutions. His startup, US Virtual Guard, combines cutting-edge technology with human oversight to provide round-the-clock security for synagogues, community centers, and Jewish businesses nationwide. With the growing threat of attacks targeting Jewish spaces, US Virtual Guard aims to bridge the security gap, offering both safety and peace of mind to Jewish communities. This innovative approach could revolutionize how religious and community institutions protect their members in an era of rising hate crimes.

Combating Rising Antisemitism with AI and Human Monitoring

Rabbi Yossi Eliav, known for his leadership at Chabad of Clinton Hill and Pratt, has launched a security startup designed to meet the rising demand for effective protection of Jewish spaces in the U.S. US Virtual Guard combines proprietary AI software with human expertise to deliver 24/7 security monitoring for synagogues, Jewish businesses, and other institutions.

The service utilizes trained security professionals who monitor camera feeds in real-time, working in tandem with advanced computer vision algorithms that scan the footage for signs of potential threats. Once suspicious activity is detected, the AI system alerts the security team, which then coordinates the response by contacting local authorities. This hybrid approach is designed to offer the best of both worlds—technology that never sleeps and human judgment that can adapt to nuances in real-time scenarios.

Rabbi Eliav, who has experience both in commercial real estate and as a rabbi on a U.S. college campus, developed US Virtual Guard with a clear focus: protecting Jewish spaces in the face of increasing antisemitism. His solution was born out of a direct need. “Over the past year, dozens of rabbis from around the world have called me saying that their security systems are not equipped to deal with the threats they’re facing,” he shared. Jewish community leaders have expressed the need for more robust security solutions to ensure their congregations can gather in safety.

Escalating Antisemitism in the U.S. and Beyond

Antisemitic attacks on Jewish spaces in the U.S. and Europe have skyrocketed, fueled by the Israel-Gaza conflict. The FBI reported a staggering 63% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes since 2023. A recent report from the American Jewish Committee (AJC) revealed that 77% of American Jews feel less safe since the October 7 attacks. The ongoing political and social tensions have intensified the vulnerability of Jewish communities, particularly in the wake of polarized discourse online and on college campuses.

Pew Research also notes that Gen-Z and young millennials increasingly sympathize with Palestinians, with a significant divide in public opinion regarding U.S. support for Israel. On social media platforms like TikTok, the FreePalestine hashtag has gained overwhelming traction, outpacing pro-Israel movements by a large margin. This cultural shift has contributed to an environment where Jewish institutions, both online and in the physical world, are under more scrutiny and, at times, targeted.

A Solution for All: Securing Jewish Institutions and Beyond

Founded in 2024, US Virtual Guard boasts a team with over 35 years of combined experience in security, real estate, and technology. The company has already been deployed at dozens of locations across the U.S., from schools and synagogues to Jewish community centers. The service is specifically designed to make security more accessible, especially for smaller institutions that may lack the resources to hire full-time security personnel. Rabbi Eliav sees his company’s impact extending beyond the Jewish world, with small businesses and residential property managers also utilizing the technology to safeguard their properties.

“Everyone wants to make sure they’re protected,” said Eliav. “Whether it’s a homeowner on vacation, a small business owner tired of package thieves, or a property manager wanting their tenants to feel safe, our solution has brought peace of mind to people in all walks of life.” The company’s vision is to eventually reach a point where society no longer requires such security systems, though for now, their service remains a vital tool for keeping people safe.

What Undercode Say:

Rabbi Eliav’s innovative blend of AI and human oversight marks a significant leap in security technology, particularly for institutions that have historically struggled to maintain adequate protection. His solution directly addresses a critical gap in security, especially for Jewish communities that face heightened threats in today’s volatile social climate. By merging artificial intelligence with human vigilance, US Virtual Guard offers a comprehensive and scalable solution for safeguarding vulnerable spaces, setting a new standard in both community and commercial security.

The fact that the startup also aims to provide accessible security solutions for smaller organizations and businesses shows a forward-thinking approach, recognizing that security concerns are universal, not confined to larger institutions. The real-time, hybrid model is a response to both the technological demands and human complexity of modern security needs, offering flexibility and adaptability that traditional systems cannot match.

Moreover, Rabbi Eliav’s deep understanding of both religious and real estate sectors gives him unique insight into the needs of his target market, allowing him to tailor his solutions with empathy and precision. In a time when trust in community spaces is fragile, US Virtual Guard’s focus on protecting these sanctuaries goes beyond technology—it’s about ensuring that people feel secure in places where they should be free from fear.

Rabbi Eliav’s mission is also a response to an increasingly divided world. By addressing antisemitism head-on and offering solutions, he’s not just securing buildings—he’s securing the future of Jewish communities across the U.S. and beyond. This strategic use of technology, combined with community outreach, could inspire similar initiatives across other marginalized communities facing heightened threats.

Fact Checker Results

FBI data indicates a marked increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes, confirming the heightened need for security solutions for Jewish institutions.

2. Pew Research’s findings regarding

US Virtual Guard’s AI-driven security solution aligns with current trends in hybrid security systems, offering both human and technological monitoring for greater effectiveness.