JCRC commends NYPD & Shomrim in Hate Crime arrest

December 08, 2010

Alan Jaffe, President and Michael S. Miller, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York commended the actions of the NYPD and the Williamsburg Shomrim Patrol, saying: “The arrests of two individuals show what can happen when the NYPD and the community work together. It was great teamwork.”

Monday night, a man leaving a synagogue was assaulted. The Williamsburg Shomrim Patrol responded, identified the perpetrators and held them until officers from the 90th Precinct arrived to arrest them.

Detectives from the 90th Precinct and the Hate Crimes Task Force jointly questioned the suspects, who admitted to last week’s brutal Thanksgiving assault in the same neighborhood.

The suspects, who are 14 and 15 years old, have been charged with several counts of assault and hate crimes. “While these individuals are technically minors,” explained Jaffe and Miller, “we call on the District Attorney of Kings County to petition that they be tried in Supreme Court. These individuals admitted to multiple felonies with bias motivation and this was not the first attack. They should be held accountable for their actions to the full extent of the law.”

November 3, 2010June 12, 2017

More tips for package screening

November 03, 2010

Wall Street Journal, “Focus on Cargo Security Steps”, November 1, 2010

We continue to advise Jewish institutions to carefully screen their mail and packages. Be suspicious of any item coming from an unknown sender, especially unknown senders from overseas.

If you receive a package from an unknown sender and suspect that it could be an explosive device or it may contain a hazardous substance, do not disturb it, do not try to open it. Leave the room, close the door and call 911. For specific steps see steps below.

The packages from Yemen discovered last week were designed to be hard to detect, even with an x-ray device. They prove that terrorist tactics are evolving and adapting to our security measures.

Although none of the following suggestions can definitively “rule-in” or “rule-out” a shipment, think about the following before opening any parcel:

Was the delivery from an expected shipper? Did your usual UPS driver deliver the package? Was the package from one of your regular vendors? (e.g., The NYPD received a call this week about a printer toner delivery to a Jewish institution. The caller was questioned and told that, because they had ordered the toner and it came from their usual office supply company, the shipment should not be considered suspicious.) Even if the package is from a regular supplier, did it come from the right address. Did it come from overseas?
Even without sophisticated equipment you can often tell when something is wrong. Use your “Just Doesn’t Look Right” instincts.
- Was the package professionally packed? People who regularly order over the internet can probably answer this question.
- Did someone tamper with this box? Does it appear that the package was opened and resealed? Are there additional layers of tape or different tape and/or fasteners? Are there cut marks on the packaging?
- Was the package one of a dozen or all by itself?
Talk to your mail carrier, FedEx and UPS deliverer. They are your first line of defense and they probably know what kind of packages they deliver to your facility. Ask them about any briefings received about the screening done at their central facilities. Let them know, in a friendly way, that you are “counting on them”.

Recommended mail protocols (from previous post)
We recommend that organizations consider and adopt formal mail screening protocols, appropriate for their organization, staff and building. Your protocols should consider that a variety of hazards can arrive by mail, including explosives and toxins.

Your protocols may include steps, such as:

Larger organizations should continue to screen and x-ray their mail. The USPS best practices for mail center security can be found here. It contains an excellent chapter, “Protect Your Business from Package Bombs and Bomb Threats”.
All organizations, large and small, need to examine all mail and packages, whether delivered via the post office, UPS, FedEx, other carrier or hand delivered.
Whether or not your organization has a mail room, designate and train specific people to screen your organization’s mail. Make sure that they know what your screening protocols are and know what to do if they find anything suspicious.
Screen your mail in a separate room. That way if you find anything suspicious, you can easily isolate it.
If you believe that an envelope or package contains a hazardous substance (e.g., an unknown white powder) instruct your screener to avoid inhaling the particulates, wash his/her hands with soap and room temperature water and isolate him/her in an adjoining, designated area away from the substance and await instructions from the first responders (This will take some planning. You don’t want anyone walking past the other employees and possibly contaminating them).
If you deem an item to be suspicious:
- Do not open it.
- Do not shake it.
- Do not examine or empty the contents.
- Leave the room.
- Close the door.
- Alert others in the area.
- Call 911.
- Shut down your HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) systems, if possible.
- Consider whether you want to vacate your premises.

If you have a specific question about a package mailed to you, you can contact:

USPS POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE
PO BOX 555
NEW YORK NY 10116-0555

Phone : 877-876-2455

Thanks to MSA Security for many of these ideas.Check out more security, counterterrorism and emergency preparedness guidance at: www.jcrcny.org/securityresources.

November 1, 2010July 7, 2015

Rethinking mail screening

November 01, 2010

Due to critical intelligence information two sophisticated explosive devices shipped via air cargo with explosives were intercepted before detonation. John Brennan, the deputy national security adviser, said on Sunday that there might be additional devices like the two discovered last Friday.

Both of these packages were addressed to former addresses of synagogues in the Chicago area. However, investigators are still attempting to determine whether the devices were meant to explode in transit or at their ultimate destination.

General guidance
We continue to advise Jewish institutions to carefully screen their mail and packages. Be suspicious of any item coming from an unknown sender, especially unknown senders from overseas. Both devices were sent from Yemen, but some analysts speculate that terrorists might send devices to other countries for subsequent rerouting.

If you receive a package from an unknown sender and suspect that it could be an explosive device or it may contain a hazardous substance, do not disturb it, do not try to open it. Leave the room, close the door and call 911. Other suggestions for mail screening are provided below.

Classic suspicious mail guidance
While the classic mail and package security guidance is still applicable, terrorists are highly intelligent and adaptable. Remember: Be suspicious of any item coming from an unknown sender, especially unknown senders from overseas. It also pays to be wary of envelopes and/or packages with the following markers, even if the package is sent from the U.S.:

No return address
Restrictive markings (e.g., confidential, personal)
Rigid or bulky
Strange odor
Lopsided or uneven
Excessive tape or string
Misspelled words/outdated names or titles
Addressed to title only (e..g., “Chief Executive Officer” rather than “John Doe, Chief Executive Officer”)
Incorrect title
Badly typed or written
Possibly mailed from a foreign country
Excessive postage

Recommended mail protocols
We recommend that organizations consider and adopt formal mail screening protocols, appropriate for their organization, staff and building. Your protocols should consider that a variety of hazards can arrive by mail, including explosives and toxins. Your protocols may include steps, such as:

Larger organizations should continue to screen and x-ray their mail. The USPS best practices for mail center security can be found here. It contains an excellent chapter, “Protect Your Business from Package Bombs and Bomb Threats”.
All organizations, large and small, need to examine all mail and packages, whether delivered via the post office, UPS, FedEx, other carrier or hand delivered.
Whether or not your organization has a mail room, designate and train specific people to screen your organization’s mail. Make sure that they know what your screening protocols are and know what to do if they find anything suspicious.
Screen your mail in a separate room. That way if you find anything suspicious, you can easily isolate it.
If you believe that an envelope or package contains a hazardous substance (e.g., an unknown white powder) instruct your screener to avoid inhaling the particulates, wash his/her hands with soap and room temperature water and isolate him/her in an adjoining, designated area away from the substance and await instructions from the first responders (This will take some planning. You don’t want anyone walking past the other employees and possibly contaminating them).
If you deem an item to be suspicious:

Do not open it.
Do not shake it.
Do not examine or empty the contents.
Leave the room.
Close the door.
Alert others in the area.
Call 911.
Shut down your HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) systems, if possible.
Consider whether you want to vacate your premises.

October 31, 2010July 7, 2015

Plot Involving Suspicious Packages

October 31, 2010

Key Points from the NYPD

Since Thursday night, law enforcement officials identified two suspicious packages addressed to two synagogues in Chicago.
Initial reports indicate that the packages contain explosive material. Forensic analysis is underway.
The packages were discovered in Dubai and East Midlands Airport in the United Kingdom.
Cargo planes at Newark International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport originating in Yemen were searched for similar suspicious packages.
Media reports indicate that one woman was arrested in Yemen on suspicion of mailing the packages and that authorities are searching for others.

Implications for New York City

The NYPD is working closely with our federal partners in the intelligence community to investigate this incident.
At this time, there is no known specific threat to New York City connected to this incident.
The NYPD recommends that all New Yorkers remain vigilant.
In the event a suspicious package is found, call 911 and do not handle it.

Implications for the Jewish community

There are no known additional specific threats to Jewish institutions at this time.
Jewish institutions continue to be targeted by those wishing to attack the United States.
Jewish communal institutions should review their security precautions and ensure continued vigilance, both for mail and direct threats.
Jewish communal institutions and known leaders should be suspicious of any packages from unknown senders. Terrorists know how to adapt. Do not assume that bombs only come from Yemen.
In the event a suspicious package is found, do not handle it and call 911. Be prepared to evacuate your building.

October 29, 2010July 7, 2015

Yemen package alert requires increased vigilance

October 29, 2010

The JUF in Chicago issued an alert to Jewish institutions to be on the alert for suspicious packages that might be coming via UPS, FedEx, or by other means.The warning comes after a suspicious package, which contained a “manipulated” toner cartridge, was found Thursday night on a Chicago-bound cargo plane from Yemen, according to CNN. This incident is ongoing.

Organizations should review their mail procedures.It is likely that this incident was merely a test and those behind it will vary their methodology. Don’t assume that you have to suspect certain senders or mail from specific countries. Everyone opening mail should be wary of mail coming from unknown senders, especially those overseas.

Jewish organizations should increase their vigilance, in general. If you suspect that you received a suspicious package, call 911 immediately.

Feel free to contact the JCRC if you need additional information on mail screening.

October 19, 2010July 7, 2015

JCRC-NY applauds conviction in Riverdale synagogue bombing case

October 19, 2010

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York salutes the work of the prosecutors who won the conviction of four men who plotted to bomb two synagogues in Riverdale and shoot down a plane at the Stewart Air National Guard Base. The conviction was based on the stellar work of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, led by the New York Office of the FBI and the NYPD. We are grateful to all of them.

The evidence presented at trial was shocking, in that it demonstrated the visceral anti-Semitism of the defendants. We had no doubt that, given the opportunity, the defendants intended to destroy houses of worship and to kill and maim scores of Jews, soldiers and others. We are fortunate that our law enforcement agencies continue to be vigilant and were able to interrupt the defendants before they committed a heinous act.

September 28, 2010September 28, 2016

Tornado Watch Guidance

September 28, 2010

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for most of southern New York State and NJ. Click on the links for more localized information.

A tornado watch defines an area shaped like a parallelogram, where tornadoes and other kinds of severe weather are possible in the next several hours. It does not mean tornadoes are imminent — just that you need to be alert, and to be prepared to go to safe shelter if tornadoes do happen or a warning is issued.

Recently, New Yorkers have learned that tornadoes can happen here. To learn more about personal preparedness, click here. Jewish organizations should put their tornado watch plans into effect:

Flying debris is the greatest hazard in most severe storms. Make sure that your sukkot and their contents are secured or brought inside.
Turn on local TV or radio, turn on and set the alarm switch on your weather radio, make sure you have ready access to safe shelter, and make your friends and family aware of the potential for tornadoes in the area.
Keep children at school beyond regular hours if threatening weather is expected; and inform parents of this policy. Children are safer deep within a school than in a bus or car. Students should not be sent home early if severe weather is approaching, because they may still be out on the roads when it hits.
Lunches or assemblies in large rooms should be postponed if severe weather is approaching. As illustrated above, gymnasiums, cafeterias, and auditoriums offer no meaningful protection from tornado-strength winds. Also, even if there is no tornado, severe thunderstorms can generate winds strong enough to cause major damage.
Get more information tornado preparedness and planning for schools from the National Weather Service click here.

September 19, 2010November 5, 2015

TSA Guidance on Lulav, Etrog, et. al.

September 19, 2010

The TSA released the following guidance:

Religious Holiday of Sukkot

September 13, 2010

The travel period for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot is from September 19 through October 4, 2010.

Observant Jewish travelers may carry four plants – a palm branch, myrtle twigs, willow twigs, and a citron – in airports and through security checkpoints. These plants are religious articles and may be carried either separately or as a bundle. Jewish travelers may be observed in prayer, shaking the bundle of plants in six directions.

TSA’s screening procedures do not prohibit the carrying of such agricultural items through the airport or security checkpoints, or on airplanes. These plants are not on TSA’s Prohibited Items List. And, as always, TSA is committed to treating all passengers, including passengers who may be observing Sukkot, with respect and dignity during the screening process.

August 31, 2010August 2, 2020

Hurricane Earl may visit: Are you ready?

August 31, 2010

As of this posting, Hurricane Earl is a Category 4 storm in the Caribbean. Forecasters predict that Earl will move up the East Coast and pass 100-200 miles off of Montauk as a Tropical Storm on Friday night/Saturday morning (see Shabbat tips below). The heavy wind and rains increase the likelihood of flooding, fallen trees, blocked roads and power outages, especially on Long Island.

For more information (including an overview and NY area historic patterns and conditions), view an excellent presentation by I. Ross Dickman, Meteorologist-in-charge, NOAA’s National Weather Service, New York, NY office.

The JCRC-NY recommends:

Be informed. Broadcast and print media are doing a good job, but storms can be unpredictable. Pay attention to the updates. For preparation planning tips, see information from NYC, Nassau (including evacuation routes), Suffolk and Westchester.
Plan and Prepare.

Stockpile food, water and medicine. Organizations should alert their members and suggest that they top off their food supply and check that they have sufficient medication on hand in the event that they can’t leave the house. People should also have a reserve of water (it’s a good idea to freeze water in gallon plastic bags which can help to prevent the food in your refrigerator from spoiling in the event of a power outage).
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for Home and a Go-Bag for Evacuation
Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan
Develop a Family Communications Plan
Prepare your organizations for power outages

Remember Shabbat. The storm forecast coincides with Shabbat which may require additional preparatory steps:

Reach out to local officials. If you have special concerns over Shabbat (see below), discuss them with your local police of fire officials.
Make decisions before the storm. The Orthodox Union issued Shabbat Protocols in Case of a Hurricane, written by Rabbi Kenneth Brander (now of Yeshivah University) with thanks to Rabbi Hershel Schachter for his guidance. While these protocols are an excellent guide to the issues of concern, consult with appropriate rabbinical authorities about specific guidance regarding the expected conditions of the upcoming storm.

Minyan. If a hurricane is happening on Shabbat, stay home! Try to prearrange with your rabbi to have the congregation lain two parshiyot on the next Shabbat.
Services should take place on Shabbat, if:

a) the storm has passed; AND
b) civil authorities declare the area safe.

If there is no electricity, services should take place only during daylight hours. If there is electricity, services can be held as regularly scheduled.
Assume there is no Eruv.

Carrying permitted for life/limb threatening situations.
Carrying permitted for individuals who need medical attention without which a person’s functionality is compromised, (even for a bed-ridden headache). In this case carrying should be done, only if possible, in an irregular fashion (i.e. carrying medicine in ones belt or shoe).
Carrying permitted to allow a baby, infirm seniors or a child traumatized by the event to function without compromise. In this case carrying should be done, if possible, in a irregular fashion (i.e. two people carrying or wheeling the stroller/person.)

Use of candles and flashlights

Use yahrzeit or hurricane candles lit before Shabbat placed in designated locations (many disaster experts caution against the use of candles at any time because of the risk of fire. Most Jewish households are accustomed to having yahrzeit candles lit for 24 hours. Use appropriate caution.).
Hang/place lit flashlights with fresh batteries in key locations before Shabbat.

If flash light/candle goes out:

When necessary (to take care of children, to eat, etc.) and there is no other light, a non-Jew can relight or change batteries.
If not having the light may create a life threatening situation, you may do it yourself.
Moving candles and flashlight is permitted in the following situations:

For any medical concerns no matter how slight.
Carrying permitted for comfort and welfare of seniors and children under eight (or above eight years old when child is traumatized by the event).
When possible, moving a candle, should be done by two individuals.

Television or Radio

TV or radio should be left on in a side room
Channel should not be changed
Volume on radio may be adjusted on Shabbat. Better to keep it on low for it preserves the battery and only raise it when necessary.
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action.

August 23, 2010June 12, 2017

View “Keeping your High Holiday Services Safe and Secure” webinar materials

August 23, 2010

“Access control considerations during high holiday services” (PDF) Dov Horwitz, Security Specialist, JCRC-NY
“Tips on detecting hostile surveillance” (PDF) Paul DeMatties, Senior Advisor on Corporate Security Programs and Director of the Counter-Terrorism Assessment Program, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
“Planning for the unexpected: High Holiday edition” (PDF) David Pollock, JCRC-NY
View a video transcript of these presentations

The presentation by NYPD Director of Intelligence Analysis Mitch Silber on the evolving al-Qaeda threat and its potential impact on the Jewish community is considered confidential by the NYPD and not available.

Related materials

JCRC Emergency and Secrurity Planning Tips for the High Holidays (PDF) The High Holidays are a special challenge for synagogues. Find tips for security and emergency planning here.
ADL Security for the High Holy Days and Other Special Events (PDF)
Sample Building Access Policies and Procedures (PDF) Learn how to balance the goals of having your institution be both welcoming and secure.
Emergency Planning: Disaster and Crisis Response Systems for Jewish Organizations published by United Jewish Communities, written by John Jay College of Criminal Justice and JCRC-NY

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The TSA released the following guidance:

Religious Holiday of Sukkot