At least three Jewish institutions in Massachusetts were impacted by “swatting” incidents on Sunday, November 19. “Swatting” means that someone has falsely reported violence, the threat of violence, and/or a bomb threat to prompt an emergency law enforcement response such as a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team evacuating a building. This was previously reported in the CSI Notice of August 22. Over 250 “swatting” incidents were reported nationwide since July, with approximately half directed at Jewish organizations.
In today’s incidents, an individual contacted a national hotline and indicated that someone had a bomb and firearm at a specific, named Jewish institution. Emergency services responded immediately, evacuated buildings, conducted searches — and no weapons or explosives were found. Similar incidents took place at Jewish institutions in Florida, Georgia, New York, and Virginia this weekend as well.
Threat environment:
Except for the increased incidence of "swatting," at this time, CJP’s Communal Security Initiative (CSI) does not possess information about a specific, imminent, credible threat to the Jewish community (or interfaith religious community) in New England. CSI is in continuous contact with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and fusion centers, and national Jewish organizations focused on threats and security-related issues.
However, the current situation in Israel, U.S. politics, and social media have increased antisemitic tensions which could fuel an incident where there is little or no advance warning. Preparation is key.
Antisemitism:
Since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, reported antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have surged. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has reported a 316% increase in reported incidents compared to the same period last year. Live data on antisemitic incidents and anti-Israel rallies in the U.S. since the attacks can be accessed here.
Hate-based incidents have reverberating impacts beyond an individual or organization who is directly impacted. Antisemitic incidents cause fear and alarm throughout our community.
CJP is in constant communication with organizational partners as we track and respond to incidents in the community
For more information on CJP’s Fighting Antisemitism Initiative, please see FaceJewishHate.org or contact Melissa Garlick at melissag@cjp.org
Join CJP’s Communal Security Initiative, the FBI, and Massachusetts State Police for a half-day Interfaith Security Summit. Topics include:
Key security concepts and implementing a holistic approach to security
Managing “swatting” and bomb threat incidents
Hate crimes and civil rights
Current threat landscape
CSI support: security training and resources
You are not alone.
CJP’s Communal Security Initiative is committed to partnering with you to address long-term security challenges. CJP provided over $700,000 dollars in security grants and equipment to Jewish institutions in Greater Boston and partnered with organizations that received $3.5 million dollars in Federal and Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grants in 2022 alone.
CJP’s CSI offers free security and medical training, cybersecurity assessments, and much more to our partners in the Greater Boston Jewish community. For more information on training opportunities and other resources please click here.
If you have questions or would like additional information, please email CommunalSecurity@cjp.org.
