By Heather FrankSAN DIEGO — As news reports are indicating, and as ADL has learned from law enforcement sources, there is a reported threat to US Jewish institutions from packages mailed from overseas, particularly Great Britain, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
We are urging US Jewish communal institutions to increase mailroom security by ensuring that all packages received are examined prior to being opened and/or distributed within a facility.
If a package originated from overseas (particularly from one of the above countries) and you determine that the addressee/recipient is not expecting the package, it is appropriate to evacuate the area, isolate the package and call law enforcement. For now, it is worth asking addressees if they are expecting any package received at your facility and treating ones they are not as suspicious.
If a suspicious package is found:
- Handle with care; Don’t shake or bump
- Don’t Open, Smell or Taste
- Isolate (close doors; keep people away) and Treat it as Suspicious
- Call 911
More detailed advice on explosive threats, planning and response can be found in ADL’s security manual, Protecting Your Jewish Institution.
In addition, while the threat is limited to packages:
1. Keep your eyes and ears open for anything unusual or suspicious and call law enforcement immediately if you come across something. Unusual behavior, unwarranted interest in your facility (including unusual traffic patterns), suspicious packages and strange devices should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel. PLEASE SEE OUR GUIDE TO COUNTER SURVEILLANCE, BELOW.
2. Renew/establish relationships with local law enforcement and discuss security. It has been our experience that local jurisdictions are working very hard to maintain close relationships with their Jewish institutions. If you have not established personal relationships with key police personnel, set up a meeting to do so. Your local ADL office can help in this regard.
3. Ensure that your staff members, including newly hired personnel, know what to do in the event of an emergency.
4. Review and practice security procedures. In particular, review with all personnel their role in security.\
5. Trust your instincts. If something strikes you as being out of place or problematic call the police immediately.
Feel free to contact me with any questions at 619.293.3770, ext. 15
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Frank is assistat director of the San Diego Region Anti-Defamation League