While we understand that we remain in a heightened state of vigilance, currently there are no specific, credible threats to the New York area or the Jewish community at this time. See our guidance on security precautions and procedures to be implemented at your institutions below.

FBI Statement
October 19, 2023

During the Israel-Hamas conflict, the FBI is continuing to monitor threats both in the United States and overseas. As the conflict continues, the FBI has seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions. We take all potential threats seriously and are working closely with our law enforcement partners to determine their credibility, share information, and take appropriate investigative action. As always, we encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.

FBI field offices across the country are communicating not just with our law enforcement partners but also with faith-based organizations and the private sector, among others. To help keep our communities safe, we are talking with leaders of all faiths, including Jewish and Muslim leaders, sharing information, and asking them to let us know if they see anything concerning.

Through our Legal Attaché office in Tel Aviv, we are working with our Israeli and U.S. Embassy partners to identify all Americans who have been impacted in the region, including those who remain unaccounted for, and our victim services specialists are working closely with victims and their families here and abroad.

Countering terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority, and we will not tolerate violence motivated by hate and extremism. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the American people and pursue justice for the victims and their families.”

NYPD
October 18, 2023

We are advising institutions to remain open and operational. We encourage the following security precautions and procedures be implemented at your institutions:

• LIMITED BUILDING ACCESS: Limit your building access to only one entrance/exit. Ensure all doors remain locked at all times and are only unlocked to admit known individuals. Do not open doors for unknown
• DROP OFF & PICK UP: Security and staff should be outside at this time and on the lookout for any suspicious individuals in these high traffic times.
• PERIMETER SWEEP: Upon opening your institution, conduct an outside sweep of your building’s Report any suspicious items or individuals lurking outside to law enforcement immediately.
• CAMERA COVERAGE: Ensure all building cameras are on and properly Designate an individual to review security footage continuously throughout the day.
• SYSTEMS CHECKS: Ensure that anything that is battery powered or electronically controlled is working This could include access controls, panic buttons, AEDs etc.
• MAIL AND DELIVERIES: Screen any packages and mail thoroughly that comes to the building. If you didn’t order it, do not accept Review your institution’s procedures for suspicious mail.
• ACTIVE THREAT PROTOCOLS: Review your institution’s active threat situation protocols and ensure relevant staff is up to date on Consider conducting an
• institution-wide drill.
• LAW ENFORCEMENT: Connect with your local law enforcement and provide them your schedule over the coming days, including school and prayer times.

Last Updated: October 12, 2023 at 6PM EST

In an effort to provide the most up-to-date security guidance, the JSA would like to reiterate that, as of this writing, there are still no known credible or specific threats to the Jewish communities in New York and New Jersey.

The JSA continues to be in close communication and coordination with our law enforcement partners, including attending security briefings hosted by the FBI and the NYPD today. According to their assessment:

• The FBI across the country and around the world is taking this situation very seriously and working 24/7 to monitor any developments.
• There are no credible or specific threats at this time. Analysts are constantly collecting intelligence and will update should this change.
• Law enforcement is aware of and prepared for the protests taking place tomorrow afternoon in New York City, and noted there is no coordinated mobilization against the Jewish community in New York that they are aware of at this time.
• Law enforcement voiced concern that the ongoing war and communications from Hamas “may inspire lone wolf attacks,” but reiterated that they are “vigilant and aggressively postured to combat this threat.”

The JSA is aware of a myriad of rumors circulating, including that law enforcement has issued threat alerts regarding specific Jewish institutions or New York landmarks. These rumors are unfounded, as confirmed to us by our law enforcement partners. Please be aware that misinformation is circulating and avoid spreading information that has not been corroborated. If the threat level changes, per the directive of law enforcement, the JSA will notify you accordingly and as soon as possible.

As a reminder, we are advising institutions to remain open and operational. We encourage the following security precautions and procedures be implemented at your institutions:

• LIMITED BUILDING ACCESS: Limit your building access to only one entrance/exit. Ensure all doors remain locked at all times and are only unlocked to admit known individuals. Do not open doors for unknown
• DROP OFF & PICK UP: Security and staff should be outside at this time and on the lookout for any suspicious individuals in these high traffic times.
• PERIMETER SWEEP: Upon opening your institution, conduct an outside sweep of your building’s Report any suspicious items or individuals lurking outside to law enforcement immediately.
• CAMERA COVERAGE: Ensure all building cameras are on and properly Designate an individual to review security footage continuously throughout the day.
• SYSTEMS CHECKS: Ensure that anything that is battery powered or electronically controlled is working This could include access controls, panic buttons, AEDs etc.
• MAIL AND DELIVERIES: Screen any packages and mail thoroughly that comes to the building. If you didn’t order it, do not accept Review your institution’s procedures for suspicious mail.
• ACTIVE THREAT PROTOCOLS: Review your institution’s active threat situation protocols and ensure relevant staff is up to date on Consider conducting an
• institution-wide drill.
• LAW ENFORCEMENT: Connect with your local law enforcement and provide them your schedule over the coming days, including school and prayer times.

We understand these are stressful and scary times, but our community is united and we have tremendous law enforcement partners at both the local and federal level.

Please keep calm and carry on.

Click here to download a PDF copy of this alert.

October 13, 2023

On October 10, 2023, Hamas issued an official statement designating Friday, October 13, 2023, a day of action titled “the Friday of al-Aqsa Flood.” In their announcement, they called on the international community to voice solidarity with the Palestinian people and their cause by engaging in mass gatherings. They also called on individuals living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to take part in mass protests against Israel.

A video has also surfaced featuring founding member and former Hamas leader, Khaled Mashal, praising the recent attack and calling on everyone to mobilize. He allegedly called on people in the region, particularly, to engage in uprising and resistance. He also allegedly encouraged individuals around the world to engage in the “Friday of Al-Aqsa Flood” to send a message of solidarity and anger to Zionists and America. He stated that jihad is everyone’s duty and an individual responsibility. The video appears to have been removed from mainstream sources.

The JSA is in close coordination with each other and our law enforcement partners, and at this time there are no known credible threats to the Jewish communities in New York and New Jersey. Accordingly, we are advising institutions to remain open and operational. However, given the heightened tensions, we encourage the following security precautions and procedures be implemented at your institutions:

• LIMITED BUILDING ACCESS: Limit your building access to only one entrance/exit. Ensure all doors remain locked at all times and are only unlocked to admit known individuals. Do not open doors for unknown individuals.
• DROP OFF & PICK UP: Security and staff should be outside at this time and on the lookout for any suspicious individuals in these high traffic times.
• PERIMETER SWEEP: Upon opening your institution, conduct an outside sweep of your building’s perimeter. Report any suspicious items or individuals lurking outside to law enforcement immediately.
• CAMERA COVERAGE: Ensure all building cameras are on and properly recording. Designate an individual to review security footage continuously throughout the day.
• SYSTEMS CHECKS: Ensure that anything that is battery powered or electronically controlled is working properly. This could include access controls, panic buttons, AEDs etc.
• MAIL AND DELIVERIES: Screen any packages and mail thoroughly that comes to the building. If you didn’t order it, do not accept it. Review your institution’s procedures for suspicious mail.
• ACTIVE THREAT PROTOCOLS: Review your institution’s active threat situation protocols and ensure relevant staff is up to date on procedures. Consider conducting an
  institution-wide drill.
• LAW ENFORCEMENT: Connect with your local law enforcement and provide them your schedule over the coming days, including school and prayer times.

Click here to download a PDF of this post.