TAMPA, Fla. — Jewish communities are on high alert Monday as the first day of Passover begins.

FBI Director Christopher Wray says the bureau is monitoring potential threats that could target gatherings or events at religious locations.

The FBI said the number of incidents involving Jewish people has more than tripled since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October.

Mark Segel, Executive Director for combatting antisemitism for Tampa JCC & Federation, says they’re urging Jewish community members to stay alert and if they see something, say something.

“We love to help make the world a better place and right now we wish we didn’t have to worry so much about security and the terrible things that are going on around the world,” he said. “But that’s our current reality.”

Segel says the different synagogues and community groups are in consistent communication regarding safety, and have a great working relationship with local law enforcement.

“It’s worse in some places than others. I would say our situation here in Tampa Bay is not the worst, but it’s certainly not the best. I think every day we’re trying to figure out the best thing to do going forward,” he said.

Passover is a major Jewish holiday, celebrated over seven or eight days each year, commemorating the exodus of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as recounted in the Bible.

To many Jews, it symbolizes freedom and the birth of a Jewish nation.

The traditional Seder feast is held on the first and second nights of Passover. The observance concludes next Tuesday.

The heightened security awareness comes just days after the Anti-Defamation League reported a historic record number of antisemitic incidents last year.

The group says there were more than 8,800 cases in 2023, up 140 percent from the year before.

The ADL said a majority of incidents were cases involving slurs, stereotypes and conspiracy theories.

There were about 2,000 vandalism cases and 161 assaults.