ADL Sends Out Security Alert

In connection with the explosion which occurred on Thursday, April, 7 near the Chabad House in S. Monica, California, an alert from the Anti-Defamation League was sent to all synagogues and Jewish centers nationwide.

Chabad-Lubavitch Security Commission said they believe that this alert is of great relevance to Chabad institutions since the individual in question has already targeted a Chabad institution (S. Monica).

“We urge you to carefully read the attached information and recommendations,” they said and asked to notify them by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling our dedicated security hotline at 718-887-8539.

Security Alert by Anti-Defamation League
April 11, 2011

As many of you may have heard, last week there was an explosion outside of Chabad of S. Monica, California.

Although initially believed to be a construction accident, the blast is now considered by law enforcement to have been intentional. Law enforcement informs us that they have a suspect.

An informational bulletin about him is pasted below.

Southern California law enforcement has told us that they have reason to believe that the suspect is outside of the Los Angeles area and is headed for the East Coast. Accordingly, they have asked us to share this information nationwide.

While ADL has no information regarding a specific threat against any Jewish institution, community members should be extra vigilant.

Recommendations

For the foreseeable future, Jewish institutions may wish to increase their general vigilance regarding security or, if they have a security plan, implement a higher level of security.

As always, there are some general action steps that an institution should follow:

* Call local law enforcement immediately if this person comes to your facility.

* Discuss roles and responsibilities for calling the police if this person shows up at your institution.

* Remember to expand your vigilance beyond the interior walls of your institutions. Consider walking the perimeters of your buildings and be aware of surrounding structures and people. Anything unusual should be reported to the police.

* Ensure that staff, including newly hired personnel, knows your procedures for allowing individuals into facilities (access control). Synagogues without any security may wish to use ushers or greeters during services to provide some access control during services.

* 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. Institutions should review with all staff, including newly hired staff, how to identify and respond to suspicious persons and activity.

* Make sure to use the security devices you have in place and that access controls are being used properly. For example, ensure that communications equipment (for instance, walkie-talkies) and video cameras are working and properly used.

* Review and practice security procedures. In particular, review with all personnel their role in security. For instance, if vigilance has slipped in mail and package delivery safety procedures, now is the time to revisit this area.

* 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.

* Trust your instincts. If something strikes you as being out of place or problematic, call the police immediately.

Security is a long-term process that cannot be efficiently or effectively deployed only when there is an alert. It is important to review and update security procedures on a regular basis.

LINK:
ADL’s security manual