Security Commission Warns Shluchim as Bomber Moves East

In wake of the recent S. Monica Chabad House attack, the Chabad Security Commission issued a notice cautioning Shluchim, warning them to be extra vigilant even though there were no specific threats.

“We have no information regarding a specific threat against any Chabad institution; however, it is important to be extra vigilant at this time” warned the bulletin. This notice comes in wake of an FBI bulletin confirming that the suspect, Ron Hirsch (aka Israel Fisher, J. Fisher), purchased a greyhound bus ticket to New York.

According to the FBI the bus was originally scheduled to arrive in New York on Sunday, April 10. There are at least 10 destinations in between Los Angeles and New York. Additional investigation and video surveillance indicates that Hirsch disembarked the bus in Denver and may have further deviated from his original route. Hirsch is believed to have family in New York.

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. See ADL’s guide here.

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.