You may have read or heard about the recent escalation of “swatting” incidents and false bomb threats impacting Jewish community institutions — particularly synagogues that livestream their services — across the country.
Swatting means that someone has falsely reported violence or the threat of violence at a location to prompt an emergency law enforcement response there. In the case of swatting against the Jewish community, these reports often involve language indicating a dangerous and violent incident is taking place on the premises. The goal of the hoax caller is to disrupt services or classes and to stoke chaos and fear.
On Friday, a local Massachusetts synagogue was the target of a false bomb threat. Police had to interrupt services and evacuate the building. CSI was in touch with the synagogue and police.
With the High Holidays coming up, we wanted to increase your awareness of these incidents and share the information and resources below on what you can do to prepare for this possibility.
CJP’s Communal Security Initiative (CSI) sent out the security notice below on swatting Friday afternoon prior to the local incident. Our CSI team continues to be in regular contact with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.
I so appreciate your partnership; please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
If you would like additional information, please visit the CSI website or
Since July, over 40 swatting incidents have been reported at Jewish organizations nationwide. Swatting means that someone has falsely reported violence or the threat of violence at a location to prompt an emergency law enforcement response there. These incidents are named for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams that are called upon to respond to high-risk incidents, like active assailants or hostage situations.
In the case of swatting against the Jewish community, these reports often involve language indicating a dangerous and violent incident is taking place on the premises. The goal of the hoax caller is to disrupt services or classes and to stoke chaos and fear.
Is this new?
No. Swatting has been around for years. In earlier years, online video gamers who livestreamed sometimes made online swatting calls to get a police SWAT response to disrupt another gamer. Because it was livestreamed, the caller could watch the police arrive with weapons drawn, kicking down doors and sometimes handcuffing the innocent victim playing a video game.
What is new is that many of the latest incidents are primarily focused on synagogues that livestream their services (so the callers can watch the police response live). Unfortunately, greater media attention on the issue can lead to copycat behavior.
Is this dangerous?
Yes. The goal of swatting is to elicit an immediate, large police response to disrupt activities and to cause chaos. Police officers have been involved in serious car accidents responding to false reports. In rare instances, people have been injured by responding officers. Swatting responses could lead to panic, medical emergencies, and long-term fear.
Is this frightening?
Yes. The unexpected arrival of multiple police officers can be very frightening if congregants are not prepared ahead of time. In some instances, the police may order an immediate building evacuation. In other instances, the police may pause services or conduct a slow, methodical review of the facility.
Is this relevant?
Yes. This has been a security issue for years, but the present swatting incidents are primarily focused on synagogues that livestream their services. These days, more and more synagogues offer hybrid or livestreamed services, and during the High Holidays there will be thousands of services which could be subject to disruption.
Who does this?
Antisemites, white supremacists, bored teenagers, and many others have initiated swatting incidents. The question of who may be responsible for these incidents should not impact our preparation or response. At present, at least one antisemitic group boasts of its swatting online.
Why can’t the police stop this?
Swatters use a variety of methods to disguise their email addresses, locations, phone numbers, and other identifying information. Also, there are people overseas who advertise that for a small fee they can call in or create a swatting incident or bomb threat at whatever time and location selected.
What can I do?
A lot. Proactive preparation and communication are key actions. Just like many other security challenges, we cannot entirely prevent a swatting incident. The only thing that we can really control is what we do.
What we can do is to be proactive and to prepare for this possibility. We can mitigate. Balance availability and safety in online engagement employing varied techniques based on community priorities and the platforms used, including:
Employ live broadcast-only tools (no interactivity with online audience)
Use time-shifting (record and playback)
Require host permission to unmute for audio participation and prevent participant photos or videos
Distribute links and passwords to known participants ( don’t post them on public websites)
Moderate online chat and interactions
For live streams, have tested, known processes for suspending and terminating streams
Coordinate with those who have difficulty logging in to address their needs (simple instructions, transcriptions, opportunities to test in advance)
Request a police presence during in-person and/or hybrid services. In some cases, you may decide to hire a police detail, while in others, you may want to advise your law enforcement partners that a service will be taking place and request that they drive by your location more frequently during these times. Given how busy many police departments are, it is a good idea to contact them well in advance of your special event or services. If a police officer is at your institution, they can listen to police dispatch and help to determine whether a situation is a hoax and report back before a full SWAT response. For more information, review Swatting Incidents: What to Know
If you can’t arrange for a police presence then a good practice is to formally notify them in writing of your planned events and ensure a designated security committee member or staff checks in with them prior to the event. For more information, review the Outdoor Services & Events Checklist
Have a conversation among your community leadership. Important starting points for discussion include:
Has your security committee been involved in the High Holiday event and Shabbat service planning? If not, how could they be better integrated into the process?
Has your rabbi, staff, congregants, volunteers attended training from CSI and the police? Who attended, how long ago? Is it time for a refresher?
If you have questions or would like additional information, please email CommunalSecurity@cjp.org.
