In light of the continued escalation in Hezbollah attacks on Israel and Israeli counter-measures and operations over the past two weeks, the JSN continues to closely monitor the situation and its potential ramifications for the security of Diaspora Jewry.

History has shown that the Iranian regime and its proxies see Jewish communities as the soft underbelly of Israel, and a legitimate target for retaliation if they feel they will not be able to exact the “commensurate” level of revenge against Israel directly.

As our community comes together to observe the High Holy Days and to mark the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7th attacks, it is important that we all recognize the sensitivity of this time period. Although the JSN does not currently have information to indicate a specific threat to our community at this time, out of an abundance of caution we want to underscore the need for vigilance and appropriate security measures across all of our communal facilities.

We would like to emphasize the importance of proactive preparation and planning, and the application of basic security measures and procedures. Security is a shared responsibility—and everyone has an important role to play in keeping our community and loved ones safe.

Experience throughout the Diaspora shows that proactive, prepared and vigilant community members applying basic security measures can save lives. Situational awareness is one of the foundations of security—and our collective eyes and ears have much greater reach.

To this end, the JSN is encouraging all community members to consider the following security tips when attending synagogue and events over the coming weeks: 

• Always be aware of your surroundings, exercise healthy vigilance, and trust your instincts. See something, Say something, Do something. 
• Report suspicious individuals or activity in or around your facility to security or the police immediately. This includes suspicious vehicles, bags, boxes or parcels.
• Report anything that appears to be information-gathering. This includes someone taking photos or videos, asking unusual questions, taking notes, or repeatedly driving or walking past the facility. Never disclose sensitive information to people who ask you questions about your facility or community activities.
• Never allow anyone you do not know or trust to enter your facility. All institutions should minimize the number of access points, have building access protocols in place that ensure no one can enter without being vetted, and ensure a competent security guard is placed at every entrance, together with a trained volunteer or community member. All other doors or access points should be locked.
• Staff and volunteers should always know what to do in an emergency, including how to quickly lockdown the facility.
• Rapid reporting is crucial. If you witness or experience a hate crime, a security incident or suspicious activity, call the police immediately. When safe, call the JSN at 416-635-5600 so we can coordinate with police and across our network of Jewish institutions. (Consider programming our number in your phone, for ease of access).

Volunteering to keep our community safe has never been more important. If you are a member of a synagogue or have a child enrolled in a day school, we urge you to get involved in helping to keep your institution safe. It’s easier than you may think, and you can make a massive difference with a modest time commitment. Contact your synagogue or school directly and connect with the JSN to indicate your interest in our community security training programs.

The JSN is here as a resource to empower our community—and to support our collective ability to enjoy a safe and meaningful experience over the High Holy Days and into the future. Should you require any assistance or advice, please contact us by sending an email to info@jsntor.ca.

The Talmud tells us that “whoever saves a life is considered by scripture to have saved the world”. The steps that we each take today—whether keeping a door closed, attending a training session, or reporting something suspicious—may be the action that saves “the world”.

We will continue to closely monitor our environment, liaise with police, and provide necessary updates. As always, the JSN will not hesitate to issue urgent communiques via UJA’s email and social media—including on Shabbat and Holy Days—in an emergency situation.

 

Shana Tova and Chag Sameach,

Jevon Greenblatt

Executive Director

The Jewish Security Network (JSN)