CHICAGO, Illinois (Press Release) — The Secure Community Network (SCN), as the official safety and security organization of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, has sent an alert to several thousand security directors, liaisons and heads of organizations and facilities, warning them to be vigilant as they begin to reopen their facilities.
This warning comes during an unprecedented threat dynamic. Antisemitic hate crimes continue to rise, and known violent extremist ideologies continue to present threats to the Jewish community.
The notice sent by SCN warns of potential threats the Jewish community should be on the lookout for as facilities reopen. These are activities that may indicate someone is planning or engaging in an attack, and include:
- Vandalism or other efforts to deface or damage part of an institution/facility.
- Individuals expressing online, on the phone, or in-person threats.
- Cyber-attacks to the facilities’ online systems.
- Unauthorized people entering the facility.
- Individuals or groups challenging facility security systems and/or security guards.
- Individuals observing the facility and its occupants.
“2020 significantly reduced the chances of a violent attack due to closed facilities and few in-person gatherings,” said Michael Masters, National Director and CEO of the Secure Community Network. “But now as we start to reopen and resume activity, we must be alert. Now is not the time to let our guard down.”
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Preceding provided by the Secure Community Network