Reassess security, Jewish organizations told

January 8, 2009

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Hundreds of Jewish organizations have been advised to reassess their security procedures in light of the situation in the Middle East.

The Secure Community Network, which coordinates security for North American Jewish institutions, held a conference call Tuesday with representatives of more than 500 Jewish organizations, including synagogues, and similar calls later in the day with representatives of Jewish community centers and Wednesday with local federation executives.

Paul Goldenberg, the national director of SCN, said organizations were advised to reassess their security with a particular emphasis on counter-surveillance measures. Representatives of the Department of Homeland Security were on the call providing participants with advice, as well as an assessment of the current environment.

"At this point in time, there is nothing eminent or specific" as far as threats against American Jewish institutions, said Goldenberg. But he said organzations were also advised to test their security systems and procedures by running simulations to ensure everyone fully understands them.

Goldenberg, who said the participation of more than 500 organizations in the Tuesday call was "unprecedented," also said SCN is tracking and collecting information on any kinds of attacks or vandalism directed at Jewish targets across the country and sharing it with the Department of Homeland Security. To report incidents, the SCN hot-line is (877) 265-3337.

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