The recent tragic events in Mumbai are a reminder that Jewish institutions are regarded as attractive targets by terrorist groups. It is also known that during times of political transition there is a need for heightened national security. In light of this unfortunate reality, Dr. Carl Sheingold, JRF’s Executive Vice President, attended a high-level security briefing organized by the Secure Community Network (SCN) in New York, and scheduled an exclusive conference call for JRF congregations with Paul Goldenberg, Executive Director of SCN.

As per the Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies: “AT THIS TIME, there is no intelligence asserting any operational specificity concerning a planned attack against the homeland or Jewish interests.” But the key message is that planning is essential. Doing a vulnerability assessment, developing crisis communication plans and other planning actions cannot be undertaken in the midst of a crisis.

To support the efforts of our congregations and havurot, JRF is a member of SCN on your behalf. We invite you to access the following valuable resources and to check back, as new resources may be available following the conference call:

• Crisis Communication Plan Non-Profit Toolkit – This document, produced by the Colorado Non-Profit Association, will help you get off to a good start in creating a crisis communications plan.
• Table Top Exercises: Testing Your Emergency Plans - This is a PowerPoint presentation explaining how table-top training exercises may be utilized at your synagogue or havurah. SCN can either offer support in your own development of this exercise
  or can recommend a third-party firm to develop and facilitate these exercises closely with you.
• SCN Security Reminder: Period of Hightened Concern - This is a security announcement released by SCN following the Mumbai terror attacks.

This update follows an exclusive conference call that took place on December 17 for JRF congregations with Paul Goldenberg, Executive Director of SCN.