Situation update:
Dozens of synagogues in Massachusetts received a threatening email bomb threat this Sunday morning, December 17. This is part of a continued series of email and telephonic threats and harassment previously reported in multiple CSI Notices in recent months. Over the past 24 hours, approximately 250 “swatting” incidents and false bomb threats directed at Jewish institutions have been reported across the country, with over 500 since July. While there may not be an actual known threat to life safety, these threats and harassment are designed to create fear and anxiety in the Jewish community.
“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 to evacuate a facility. This was previously reported in the CSI Notice of August 22 and November 19.
Updated bomb threat response guide:
- Report any and all bomb threats to law enforcement immediately and afterwards to CSI, the Secure Community Network (SCN), and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
- Please review the recently updated Massachusetts State Police Bomb Threat Response Guide for information on how to work with emergency services to evaluate threats and to determine appropriate response options
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 with the Secure Community Network (SCN), Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and other 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
CSI support — 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 $800,000 dollars in security grants and equipment to Jewish institutions in Greater Boston and partnered with organizations that were awarded over $4 million dollars in Federal and Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grants in 2023 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.
Thank you,
The CJP Communal Security Initiative Team
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