Thursday, May 21, 2009

Plot to bomb synagogues in Riverdale mandates
heightened vigilance

At approximately 9 PM last night, the Joint Terrorism Task Force (FBI, NYPD and other agencies) arrested four individuals who thought they were planting bombs in front of the Riverdale Jewish Center and the Riverdale Temple. They also planned to shoot down a military plane at Stewart Air Force Base (in Newburgh, NY) with a Stinger missle. The conspirators had been under constant survellance for over a year. 

Characterizing their actions as "Jihad", the conspirators initially expressed the desire to "do something to America," then to join a terrorist group based in Pakistan. In October, 2008, they spoke of the desire to bomb a synagogue. See the NYPD briefing Plot to Bomb Riverdale Synagogues on the operation here. The conspirators represent the disturbing phenomenon of "homegrown terrorism" (see an outstanding analysis from the NYPD here) and their plans echo those in Miami, Chicago and Torrence, CA. All of these plots combined the conspirators' wishes to attack both "American" and Jewish institutional targets. This plot underscores the necessity of constant vigilance by Jewish institutions and individuals.
(see below)

JCRC President Janice Weinman Shorenstein, Executive Vice President Michael Miller and JCRC Commission on Jewish Security Chair Sally Goodgold expressed their deep appreciation to both the NYPD and the FBI for their ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers and the Jewish community. They are, indeed, sensitive and critical partners. 

Click here for a transcript of a May 21st briefing by NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly and FBI Assistant Director Joseph Demerest.
  • Make sure to report any suspicious activity immediately to the NYPD at 311 or 1-(888) NYC-SAFE.
  • To protect ourselves -- in the subways, in our institutions or at home -- there are specific actions we should be engaged in, specifically:
  • Be informed. Make sure that you and your staff learn some simple tips:
    • Know the Routines. Be alert as you go about your daily business. This will help you to learn the normal routines of your neighborhood, community and workplace. Understanding these routines will help you spot anything out of place.
    • Be aware of what is going on around you. Whether traveling, at work or at home, be on the lookout for suspicious activities. Learn to spot suspicious mail, packages, or abandoned luggage.
    • Take what you hear seriously. If you become aware of criminal or suspicious activity, or someone claiming to be a member of a terrorist organization, take it seriously and report it to law enforcement immediately.

If you observe suspicious activity:

  • Do not take direct action.
  • Do not confront the individual.
  • Do not reveal your suspicions
  • Do record as many details as possible.
  • Do notify appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
    		•  Describing suspicious behavior:
    • WHO did you observe?
    • WHAT did you see? Be specific.
    • WHERE did you see it?
    • WHEN did you see it?
    • WHY is it suspicious?
    Know the 7 signs of terrorism
    • Surveillance. Recording or monitoring activities, taking pictures, making drawings.
    • Suspicious Questioning. Attempts to gain information about operations, staffing,and security.
    • Tests of Security. Any attempts to measure reaction times to entering restricted areas.
    • Acquiring Supplies. Obtaining explosives, weapons, uniforms, badges, credentials, etc.
    • Suspicious Persons Out of Place. This may include people who are in places they should not be, as well as people who do not fit in to the daily routine of your neighborhood or community.
    • Dry or Trial Run. Putting people into position and moving them around without actually committing a terrorist act.
    • Deploying Assets. People and supplies getting into position to commit the act.
      If you have any questions feel free to contact David Pollock by email or at (212) 983-4800 x132.