Department of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma


Safety at Your Jewish Institution
As Jews prepare to celebrate the High Holy Days, we should take pride in the fact that Jewish communities across America are generally safe, secure, and thriving. Despite this, some risk always remains, and ADL urges you to take this opportunity to reflect on what each of us can do to make our community safer.

Good security isn't only about cameras, locks or fences, nor does it have to come at the expense of an open, welcoming and spiritually fulfilling environment.

Security is an ongoing process involving a thoughtful and sober analysis of an institution’s vulnerabilities and a willingness to take necessary and reasonable steps to address them.

Every year before Rosh Hashanah, ADL lends its years of security expertise to Jewish institutions across the country. Our free online resources, as well as our community-based security briefings, can assist you in implementing a security plan that addresses the specific needs of your institution.
 

A WORD ABOUT ASSESSING THE RISK
It’s hard to know how serious the threat to a particular institution is. We do know that the risk to our Jewish institutions comes from more than just teens with too much time on their hands. The threat comes from a range of people, including local individuals who can easily become steeped in readily available on-line hate. And their methods of expressing their bigotry involve more than just spray paint: the web offers instruction in everything from hacking into computer systems to using common materials to design an explosive. Even simple security measures can send a strong message to potential attackers: go elsewhere. For more information, contact your regional office or see Protecting Your Jewish Institution.

 

TIPS FOR LEADERSHIP
Leadership should begin by analyzing the risks and realities of your institution, seeking professional guidance if needed, and creating a security plan. No one plan works for everyone, but depending on the institution, Leaders should:

  • Have the number for calling the police readily available ­­-- and have a cell phone to use to call them from outside your facility in an emergency.
  • Designate a security manager who is accountable for implementing the plan, and make sure everyone is trained to implement the plan ­­-- especially those who know the building best: your maintenance personnel.
  • Have a plan to notify and, if necessary, evacuate everyone in your facility in an emergency. Designate a meeting point to ensure that everyone is safe.
  • Have a plan to respond to bomb threats.
  • Regularly inspect your building so you can quickly ascertain if something is amiss and help law enforcement if there is a problem.
  • Get to know local law enforcement ­­ and get them to know you, before there is trouble.
  • Use the security devices you already have. Ensure that security devices are functioning, that outdoor lighting is working, that windows and fence lines are kept clear of bushes, and that access to your building is appropriately limited consistent with fire codes.
  • Set an example by strictly following the institution’s security policies.
  • Make sure that security is part of your institution's culture. When planning or participating in events, everyone must think security.
  • Remember: ADL is here to help. Visit the security section of ADL’s website, or contact your regional office.

TIPS FOR CONGREGANTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Congregants and community members have an important role in helping to ensure the safety of their Jewish communal institutions.

  • Be watchful and report suspicious activity.
  • Know your building -- report anything that is out-of-place or missing.
  • Actively cooperate with security directions, check-in procedures and ticket policies. Even if ushers or guards know you, help set the right tone by showing your ID or holiday ticket -- and insist on showing them even when not asked.
  • Help create a culture that is secure and welcoming; care about this issue -- and let people know that you do.
  • Support your board and professionals when they make the difficult decision to create and implement an effective security plan.
  • Enjoy your community institution to its fullest -- but remember to be alert and to "think security."

ADL is committed to keeping the Jewish community safe and secure by monitoring the activities of extremists and anti-Semites, and continuing our close work with law enforcement to ensure that we are alert to all credible threats.

 

 Protecting Your Jewish Institution.
 http://www.adl.org/security/new_guide/

From the ADL "On Guard Security Report" copyright by ADL

 

 

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