Please Be Aware
While yesterday’s terrorist synagogue attack in Manchester, UK was devastating, we saw heroes emerge in the tragedy. The Rabbi did exactly what we train to do in our Run, Hide, Fight model by barricading the congregants and keeping them safe. The tragedy was also a reminder of the importance of preparedness and training. See full article at Manchester rabbi hailed as hero for barricading synagogue door amid deadly terror attack (timesof israel.com).
Secure Community Network released a bulletin outlining the current threat environment in regard to artificial intelligence (AI) driven extremism. Bad actors are increasingly leveraging AI tools to amplify their propaganda and refine attack related guidance. For full bulletin visit SCN Bulletin: AI-Driven Extremism – Implications for the Jewish Community in North America.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) published a report named “Hate in the Keystone State: Extremism & Antisemitism in Pennsylvania.” Pennsylvania (PA) saw an 18% increase in antisemitic incidents from 2023 to 2024 and was ranked the fourth highest state in the country. See report at Hate in the Keystone State: Extremism & Antisemitism in Pennsylvania (adl.org).
So far in 2025, we have logged 261 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 244 for 2024. We continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement to monitor potential threat activity. Please continue to report any suspicious incidents via the Incident Report Form.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- 4 dead, 8 injured in Michigan church shooting and fire set by gunman: Police (abcnew.go.com)
- Manchester synagogue terrorist ID’d as British citizen of Syrian descent; 3 suspects in custody (timesofisrael.com)
- Houses of worship tighten security amid rising attacks (washingtonpost.com)
- Reported threat at Jewish Congregation of Venice prompts large police response (wtsp.com)
BluePoint Status
BluePoint is now live in 33 of the 36 locations. Police boxes have been installed at 29 of our organizations, enabling law enforcement to have immediate access in an emergency.
Security Resources and/or Training
Navigating Digital Threats: Strategies to Prevent Online Child Exploitation
Ahead of the next school year, please join the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse for a virtual training on preventing and responding to online child exploitation in K-12 communities. This session will feature a panel discussion with experts from the U.S. Department of Justice and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who will share valuable tools and resources to combat online child exploitation and educate teachers, students and families.
In the event of an emergency, please be aware that we have adopted the Standard Response Protocol to best communicate across communities and emergency response teams.
Request Training for Your Organization →
If you need Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies contact Erin Fagan at [email protected] or 412-992-5252.
