This past week,
@CNN
's
@DanaBashCNN
joined
@MichaelGMasters
at SCN HQ.
SCN logged a record number of incident reports in October alone. There is no question that violent antisemitic incidents are going up, and that the Hamas terror attacks on 07 October opened the floodgates.
We took
@DanaBashCNN
behind the scenes at our National Jewish Security Operations Command Center to see how SCN is creating a security shield over the Jewish community. Watch her special report, "Rising Hate: Antisemitism in America" on
@CNN
this Sunday, 21 Aug., at 9pm ET.
In the aftermath of the hostage incident in
#Colleyville
, every Jewish institution should:
1. Get an Assessment
2. Develop a Physical Security Plan
3. Apply for Grant Funds for Physical Security
4. Provide Facility Diagrams to Law Enforcement
5. Train, Train, & Train Again
SCN has learned from law enforcement sources that the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville has ended. The perpetrator has been neutralized and the remaining hostages have been released. No further information is available at this time.
Every Jew in North America deserves the right to feel safe, free, and proud of who they are — to proudly display a mezuzah and wear a kippah without fear of harassment, hate, or violence. That is our obligation as a Jewish community, and an American community.
U.S. college campuses continue to face an uptick in white supremacist propaganda, according to our partners
@ADL
. Our Campus Security Initiative with
@AEPi
,
@ChabadOnCampus
,
@HillelIntl
&
@jfederations
works to train & empower Jewish students and organizations in these climates.
We are aware of bomb threats made to multiple Jewish Community Centers around the country. We continue to work closely with relevant partners, including
@JCCAssociation
& law enforcement, to ensure our institutions and community are safe and secure.
Ahead of Tuesday's
#MarchForIsrael
, SCN is in touch with organizers and law enforcement to support their plans for a safe and secure environment. We recommend participants travel in small groups, steer clear of confrontations, & report suspicious activity to police. For more
STATEMENT FROM SCN National Director
@MichaelGMasters
: "SCN is aware of the ongoing security situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas.
Our Duty Desk has been constantly monitoring and in touch with relevant law enforcement partners, including
@FBI
&
@DHSgov
.
Grateful for
@FBI
Director Christopher Wray’s support of the Jewish community across the United States, and the FBI’s vigilance and hard work to combat hate in this dynamic and fluid threat environment.
Today,
#FBI
Director Christopher Wray spoke at the Secure Community Network (SCN) Teleconference about how the Bureau and our partners are working around the clock to support the safety and security of the American Jewish community.
We are aware of this ongoing police activity at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, and have been in touch with relevant partners. SCN will continue to monitor the situation and update, as appropriate.
We are currently conducting SWAT operations around the 6100 block of Pleasant Run Rd. All residents in the immediate area are being evacuated. Please avoid the area.
SCN is aware that
@FBINewark
and law enforcement partners have located the individual believed to be responsible for yesterday's potential threat to synagogues in New Jersey and mitigated the active security concern. As always, report any suspicious activity immediately.
SCN’s intelligence analysts have been closely tracking extremist calls for a "National Day of Hate" this weekend. While these agitators seek to inspire fear, our network of security professionals works closely with law enforcement to keep the Jewish community safe and secure. 1/2
There is no information to suggest there is a broader threat to the Jewish community at this time as it relates to this incident. SCN will continue to monitor the situation and provide any updates as necessary.
SCN is aware of a threat at
@Cornell
& coordinating with
@FBI
,
@nyspolice
, &
@cornellpolice
— who are on the scene & investigating— and with
@HillelIntl
& local partners. Trust only info from verified sources & report threats to police & our Duty Desk:
Important from
@FBI
: “This is a terrorism-related matter, in which the Jewish community was targeted, and is being investigated...We never lose sight of the threat extremists pose to the Jewish community and to other religious, racial, and ethnic groups.”
We stand with the victims’ families & survivors of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting on the solemn occasion of today’s guilty verdict. We hope this will provide a measure of relief, solace, & closure for all they and the community have been through. Today, justice has been done.
The SCN Annual Homeland Security Summit, convening
#Jewish
community security directors from across
@jfederations
&
@Conf_of_Pres
partners, kicked off yesterday in Chicago. By working together, we can make our community stronger, safer and more secure.
SCN can confirm that a grenade was discovered strapped to a utility pole near the Satmar Bais Medrash synagogue in Lakewood, NJ; the grenade was allegedly real but not active. The
@NJSP
bomb squad responded and ensured the safety of the area, to include the synagogue. We thank
SCN National Director & CEO
@MichaelGMasters
testified to members of the House Homeland Security Committee on the importance of
@DHSgov
@fema
#NSGP
to the Jewish and broader faith-based communities. An important conversation on how we can make our institutions more safe & secure.
We stand united with the Black community as we grieve today's racially-motivated murder of 10 people in Buffalo. We have provided research to law enforcement and are working to ensure appropriate security protocols are in place at Jewish facilities. More:
We thank
@CNN
for this important article on how training saved lives during last weekend's attack on a Texas synagogue. Our next webinar is on Jan. 27 at 12 PM CT (1 PM ET). Register here:
Protecting and serving Jewish communities during a time of record antisemitic incidents starts with awareness. Our updated "Intro to Judaism" resource for law enforcement was featured in
@AJCGlobal
's new "Law Enforcement Guide to Countering Antisemitism."
This afternoon SCN & partners tracked & identified a POI after reports of shots fired at Margolin Hebrew Academy in Memphis. We can confirm the threat is neutralized. If an incident occurs, contact local authorities then call 844-SCN-DESK/submit a report:
We are immensely proud of SCN National Director & CEO
@MichaelGMasters
appointment to the
@DHSgov
Homeland Security Advisory Council. This distinguished group will help tackle challenges critical to the
#Jewish
and broader faith-based community.
I am deeply honored to join the
@DHSgov
Homeland Security Advisory Council to empower
@DHSgov
to address existing, new, and emerging threats. I look forward to working with
@SecMayorkas
and my fellow
#HSAC
members to help keep our nation safe, and our communities secure.
Hamas has launched an aggressive assault on Israel in the last hours. SCN is coordinating with law enforcement & key partners. At this time, there are no known credible threats to the U.S. Jewish community. 1/2
UPDATE: The Ohio man accused of making threats against the Youngstown
#Jewish
Community Center will be federally charged. We remain grateful to our law enforcement partners who responded swiftly and effectively to the situation.
Authorities searching for 22yo Robert E. "Bobby" Crimo III after mass shooting in Highland Park suburb of Chicago. May be driving 2010 silver Honda Fit w/IL tag DM80653. SCN is working w/law enforcement & partners like
@JUFChicago
. Stay alert & report any info to law enforcement.
Last week,
@ABC
visited SCN HQ to learn more about our work amidst the Hamas attacks to ensure the North American Jewish community is safe & secure. Our 24/7 Duty Desk is monitoring institutions and online threats from around the country to create a proactive, protective shield.
Over the weekend, SCN tracked over 200 swatting incidents & false bomb threats across the country targeting Jewish facilities, spanning multiple states.
SCN has logged more than 449 swatting incidents and bomb threats in 2023-to-date, up 541% from 2022 (83 incidents), as
The Secure Community Network is on a mission to provide life-saving training to every Jewish community — just like we did for Rabbi Cytron-Walker and his congregants in Colleyville, Texas. Learn more:
SCN is aware of today's advisory from
@FBINewark
and is coordinating with
@FBI
and relevant law enforcement partners. Please report any suspicious activity by calling 911 and then the SCN Duty Desk at 844.SCN.DESK.
The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ. We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility. We will share more information as soon as we can. Stay alert. In case of emergency call police.
📰SCN's
@MichaelGMasters
penned an op-ed for the
@thehill
addressing the alarming wave of antisemitic incidents surging across the country, with college campuses emerging as flashpoints. He analyzes the threat environment & offers constructive next steps.
The horrific attack on Jews gathered for a
#Hanukkah
party in
#Monsey
is yet another example of the real threat of rising anti-Semitism.
@Official_SCN
remains committed to creating a more safe and secure
#Jewish
community through preparedness efforts and empowerment.
📰Amidst rising antisemitic threats & incidents, SCN has risen to the challenge. Our mission of creating a proactive, protective shield over the Jewish community is more important than ever. Read today’s
@NYTimes
profile highlighting our work & growth.
82 years ago, a series of pogroms against Jewish businesses, synagogues, & institutions in Nazi Germany marked a turning point in the persecution of Jews under the regime.
#Kristallnacht
is a reminder of the danger of
#antisemitism
and its ugly manifestations.
Two kosher shops were damaged in a fire near
#Paris
on the third anniversary of the slaying of four Jews at a different kosher supermarket in that city.
#France
SCN's National Director & CEO
@MichaelGMasters
was recently appointed to the
@FBI
’s Joint Terrorism Task Force’s (JTTF) Executive Board. The Board meets regularly to discuss current threats, intelligence, & information sharing.
@JNS
In the face of rising antisemitic hate and violence, the cooperation and coordination between the Mossad & Brazilian Federal Police showcases the power of intelligence and law enforcement coming together to stay a step ahead and thwart terror attacks.
When bad actors unite, the
Yesterday, German and Dutch law enforcement arrested four senior Hamas officials as part of what, per German officials, is a suspected terrorist plot targeting synagogues across Europe. This is the first time Hamas appears to be preparing to operationalize outside of the Middle
SCN was honored to brief the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Antisemitism on threats facing the Jewish community and strategies to stop them. Thanks to co-chairs
@RepTedDeutch
,
@RepGraceMeng
, and Rep. Chris Smith for their opening remarks. More:
This morning, one of the most dangerous & vocal antisemites in the country was arrested by the FBI. Thanks to diligent work by
@JewishFedPGH
& SCN, years of tracking & working with law enforcement, we can seek justice for the terror he has wrought.
SCN is aware of a stabbing near a
#Jewish
organization in
#Brighton
, Massachusetts. We are in touch with relevant partners and will update as further information becomes available.
One of the most important things we can do to make our communities more safe and secure is to enhance preparedness by training. We are grateful to
@DHSgov
for their partnership in hosting our national level tabletop exercise today.
With
#ElectionDay
in the United States soon coming to a close, the potential for unrest remains a concern, especially for the Jewish community. We continue to work with our partners in the community and law enforcement to ensure safety & preparedness.
Today we kick off Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience (
#CISR
) month, but our partners
@CISAgov
work year-round to keep our infrastructure & mass gathering places
#secure
. We're grateful to
@CISAHarrell
and all who do this important work!
SCN was proud to serve as a leading voice at the WH Protecting Places of Worship Roundtable, featuring DHS Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Faith-Based Tabletop Discussion. Grateful to
@SecMayorkas
, DHS Asst Secs. Abdelall/Vinograd, & key partners for continual engagement.
Today, SCN and
@HillelIntl
released a best practice guide, offering ten recommended steps specifically for college and university administrators to better ensure the safety and security of Jewish students and members of all faith-based communities.
In the months since October
Last night,
@ABCNews
@Nightline
featured
@Official_SCN
's role in tracking the surge in swatting incidents, coordination with law enforcement to mitigate them and bring perpetrators to justice, and providing guidance and training the community. This year alone our Duty Desk has
Steve Weiss’s bravery and strength is unparalleled. As a survivor of the Pittsburgh-area synagogue shooting, he knows first hand how active shooter trainings can save lives. We’re honored to stand with the Pittsburgh Jewish community today and throughout this trial.
He saw the shell casings and knew they were from the lobby area. The rabbi was telling people to get down. Weiss remembered what he learned from an active shooter training.
#WTAE
One year ago today, two assailants motivated by
#antisemitic
and anti-law enforcement sentiment killed four in
#JerseyCity
. We remember and honor the lives of those senselessly lost in the attack, resolved in our mission to ensure the safety & security of the Jewish community.
@StandUp2JewHate
Always follow established protocols to report suspicious activity – to include contacting local law enforcement and/or the relevant suspicious activity reporting authority – and report to the
@Official_SCN
Duty Desk at #🟦
#StandUpToJewishHate
2/2
@Official_SCN
National Director & CEO
@MichaelGMasters
warned against letting “fear or clickbait threats cause chaos” in Jewish communities because he said that is part of the objective of those spreading hateful rhetoric online.
.
@MichaelGMasters
- "The rise in incidents on our college campuses exposes the utterly insufficient response by a disturbing number of educational institutions in response to vocal support for foreign terror groups and rank antisemitism" 📰
@Jerusalem_Post
"The recent violence between Israel and Hamas has led directly to attacks on Jewish Americans in the United States...This is a time to be vigilant." Read more from SCN National Director
@MichaelGMasters
Thanks to the thousands who joined Billy Crystal and the Jewish community across the US & Canada to honor our first responders! For those who missed it or would like to say another l'chaim, you can watch here:
This week w/
@jfederations
@ADL
&
@OrthodoxUnion
,
@MichaelGMasters
detailed SCN's High Holiday prep, SCN Senior Advisor Kerry Sleeper gave a threat briefing, & Margolin Hebrew Academy's ED shared a harrowing example of how NSGP funding has saved lives.
🔗
READ:
@Official_SCN
National Director & CEO
@MichaelGMasters
statement in response to the tragic, fatal stabbing of a Jewish community member in Detroit, Michigan this weekend:
To arm, or not to arm? That is the question, now being asked by houses of worship throughout the United States.
@Official_SCN
convened a group of security and law enforcement experts to help address this pressing issue.
You can make a difference. If you see or hear something suspicious whether in person or online, say something and do something by reporting to law enforcement.
#SeeSay
One year after the anti-Semitic attack on the
#Pittsburgh
Jewish community, we remember the 11 lives taken and rededicate ourselves to ensuring the safety and security of the North American Jewish community now and for generations to come.
We all have a role to play to ensure our collective safety and security. Reach out to your local Jewish communal security director, where they exist, or contact SCN for assistance in undertaking these crucial efforts.
While 2021 stats released by
@FBI
today show that the Jewish community remains the most targeted for religiously motivated hate crimes, the FBI and SCN have identified significant underreporting of state and local data. Learn more:
Our latest security bulletin provides updates on extremist calls for a "National Day of Hate" this weekend, guidance for communities to stay alert and prepared, and what SCN is doing to keep the Jewish community safe. We will not give in to hate and fear.
📺On
@FoxNews
with
@HarrisFaulkner
this AM, SCN National Dir. & CEO
@MichaelGMasters
discussed the alarming rise of antisemitic incidents on college campuses across the country & the fear & lack of safety it's instilling in Jewish students under threat.
Today I attended a briefing by
@RepTedDeutch
& the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. As the Jewish community prepares to celebrate the High Holidays, expert witnesses briefed on security measures necessary to keep Jewish place of worship safe.
We're working with community & law enforcement to address at least 18 bomb threats against Jewish facilities this month, a reminder that U.S. Jewish community remains a top target for hate crimes & must continue to foster preparedness and resiliency. More:
Every second counts. During
#StopTheBleed
month, we’ll have expert in-house and guest speakers to train you on saving lives in the midst of a crisis. Sign up for one of our Stop The Bleed live webinars May 18th.
12PM ET:
7PM ET:
Important conversation today with the women of
@AEPhi
at their Biennial Convention. Everyone deserves to feel empowered, safe & secure on campus and beyond.
BREAKING: Stabbing attack reported at a synagogue in
#Monsey
, New York. This is a developing situation.
SCN has been in touch with relevant partners, including
@jewishrockland
, and will continue to monitor and update.
At 9:50 this eve, a call came in about a mass stabbing at 47 Forshay Road in Monsey (Rockland County; 30 miles North of NYC). It's the house of a Hasidic Rabbi. 5 patients with stab wounds, all Hasidic, were transported to local hospitals.
This situation appears to be local and isolated; SCN is not aware of any direct, credible threats to any other institutions. SCN encourages all organizations to constantly evaluate their security efforts, and maintain vigilance in implementing them.
Report released by
@SecretService
today echoes similar findings of reports related to targeted violence on houses of worship: attackers often display concerning behavior and express their intentions before undertaking an attack.
#SeeSomethingSaySomething
The Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center has released the most comprehensive study into school violence ever conducted by a government agency. Read the report:
In court to observe arraignment of Grafton Thomas on five counts of attempted murder from last night’s attack on a Chanukah celebration in Monsey. Justice Schoenberger ordered Thomas held on $5,000,000 bail and scheduled him to return to Court on January 3.
SCN is aware of a fatal incident involving a member of the Jewish community in Detroit. We are in close coordination with law enforcement & community partners. As of this time, no motive has been publicly identified. We will share facts as they are known.
It was an inspiring and meaningful few days at
#FedLab
working with Federation and community leaders from across North America to further efforts for
#Jewish
security &
#empowerment
.
We teamed up with
@JewishFedPGH
to run a remote Command Post to monitor an uptick in threats due to the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter trial. Proud to help Pittsburgh lead the way in preparedness & offer heightened security at a key moment for the community.
SCN recommends Jewish facilities review & enforce security protocols, & maintain coordination with law enforcement. SCN will continue working with partners in intelligence & law enforcement to keep you update on this rapidly developing threat landscape. 2/2
BREAKING: Reports of a shooting near a Kosher bodega in Jersey City, New Jersey.
@Official_SCN
is in touch with relevant partners as information develops. The situation is fluid.
Thanks to diligence & coordination by
@SDNYNews
,
@FBI
, & Peruvian gov't, a bomb threat perpetrator is in custody — a relief to the Jewish community. We must continue our vigilance & remember the complex threat we face & tech/teamwork required to combat it. Our full statement:
We're aware of a Tweet mentioning a synagogue in MA.
@Official_SCN
is coordinating with key partners, to include
@TheCSSorg
@CJPBoston
& law enforcement. As of now, we are not aware of a credible, specific threat to any institution based on this Tweet.
We are aware of an incident involving a member of the Birmingham, AL Jewish community this morning. Working with The Birmingham Jewish Federation & Birmingham Police, we can confirm that this was not a targeted attack against the Jewish community and there is no ongoing threat.
SCN National Director & CEO
@MichaelGMasters
in yesterday's
@Jerusalem_Post
: "The alarming volume of swatting incidents and false bomb threats being carried out across the country is a major concern for the safety and security of the Jewish community in North America, as well as
Our partnership with Jewish Federation of the Desert is a model for many communities seeking to enhance safety and security through information, training & empowerment.