On Tuesday, August 12, at around 7:45 a.m., a white male driving a black Tesla was observed outside a synagogue in Greater Boston. He approached a staff member and asked “Is this a Jewish temple?” Where is the rabbi?” and other odd questions. A review of the cameras showed that the man drove in and parked. He then sat on the grass, got up and walked around, and then got back into the car, drove around the parking lot and departed.
The individual has been identified and the police informed of the suspicious behavior. He did not make a threat or commit a crime during this incident, and we are not aware of any violent or criminal activity in his past. However, he appears to have made antisemitic postings online.
Please distribute this notice and if he is observed around a Jewish facility dial 911 immediately.
Please review your camera systems to determine if he visited your facility.
Please advise CSI of the date and time of any of the above so we can inform the police.
Black Tesla, Massachusetts license plate Electric Vehicle #54FS
Please review security policies and procedures with all staff and lay leaders, and remind them that if they encounter anything suspicious or concerning it should be reported to the police right away, as well as to the appropriate leadership within your institution.
Threat environment
CJP’s Communal Security Initiative was created for this moment. CSI has provided community support since 2016.
These security incidents and concerns are real
CJP’s Communal Security Initiative (CSI) and our law enforcement partners do not possess any information to indicate a specific or credible threat to the Jewish community (or interfaith religious community) in New England. CSI is in continuous contact with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as well as national Jewish security-related organizations — including today.
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
The U.S. intelligence community has reported an increase to the overall threat environment in the U.S. (Jewish, non-Jewish, anti-government, etc.). There continues to be concern that large public gatherings (religious, secular, concerts, sports events, etc.) could be considered attractive venues for attack. This is not a new concern and, unfortunately, we have seen these kinds of attacks many times in recent years.
Event planning
To support a vibrant Jewish community, we must continue proactive security measures which include coordination with authorities and working with professional security contractors
Proactive, sustained security preparation and training are key actions we can take together to manage safe and successful events
Review security protocols for upcoming services and events and consider adding or increasing security if no measures were planned. Those might include greeters, a review of access control, and adding police details and/or private security. CSI Regional Security Advisors can assist you to evaluate appropriate security measures for your institution.
Practice vigilance and awareness. Promptly report unusual or suspicious activity to law enforcement and then notify CSI.
The 24/7 news cycle amplified by social media creates and heightens fear
Everyone responds to incidents in a different way
This is a time for leaders and community members to recognize and make space for conversation to address the range of emotions and reactions
One of the best means to address fear is to take advantage of CSI security training for all staff and members
Antisemitism
Antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents in the U.S. have surged. Live data from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on antisemitic incidents and anti-Israel rallies since the October 7, 2023 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 in our community.
For more information on CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism (CCA), please visit our webpage or contact Melissa Garlick, Associate Vice President and Director of CJP’s CCA.
CJP’s CSI is committed to partnering with you to address long-term security challenges.
CSI trained over 5,000 people and awarded over $1 million in security grants to Jewish institutions in Greater Boston, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont in FY 2025. CSI partnered with organizations that were awarded over $3.3 million in Federal and Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grants during the same period.
CJP’s CSI added three Regional Security Advisors this year to increase delivery of:
Expert security guidance
Event planning support
Incident support
Medical training
Cybersecurity assessments
The Regional Security Advisors are available for consultation and training and we encourage your leadership to contact them. For more information on training opportunities and other resources, please visit our site.
