Security Advisory: December 28, 2008

Tuesday, December 28, 2008

Events in Middle East mandate heightened vigilance

Israel's Counterterrorism Operations against Hamas triggered demonstrations overseas and here at home. We know that similar circumstances in the past led New York residents to engage in violence here in New York. The murder of Ari Halberstam on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1994 was one such horrible incident. Others include anti-Semitic assaults against Jews in the subways and anti-Semitic graffiti.

The JCRC has been in close contact with the NYPD. They are closely monitoring the situation and are keenly focused on protecting all New Yorkers. They are currently giving heavily Jewish neighborhoods and high-profile Jewish organizations special attention and they advise us that there is no reason to refrain from any of our normal daily activities.

There is no known specific threat against New York, the United States or New York's Jewish community. Make sure to report any suspicious activity immediately to the NYPD at 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:

Maintain a heightened level of vigilance. Review your building access policies and be especially aware of your surroundings. For tips on situational awareness check out Indications of Suspicious Activity by our partners at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the ADL Security webpage or download Emergency Planning: Disaster and Crisis Response Systems for Jewish Organizations by United Jewish Communities/JCRC/John Jay College of Criminal Justice. These links and other information are available at our security and emergency planning page: www.jcrcny.org/security#info
Harden your target. Nonprofit organizations can receive a grant of up to $75,000 from the US Department of Homeland Security FY2009 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to the states. New York State will have its application ready and available online on or about December 15th. Organizational applications must be submitted (through the online application system) by Friday, February, 20 2009. Get the latest information on our website: www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants.

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.