February 13, 2022… ADL New York/New Jersey organized a security briefing in the wake of the Colleyville Synagogue hostage crisis. The event included remarks from Gregory Ehrie, ADL Vice President of Law Enforcement and Security; Mitchell Silber, Executive Director of the Community Security Initiative; Laurie Doran, Acting Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Richard Priem, Deputy National Director of the Community Security Service; Robert Wilson, Chief Security Officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey; and Michael Brodack, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the FBI New York Field Office.
Around 300 people participated in the call which provided expertise, tips, and resources. Participants heard from the key organizations keeping Jewish institutions safe about their work, and they learned practical next steps on how communal institutions can protect themselves.
“If what we learn from Colleyville is that safety and security for our Jewish communities means living in fear and circling the wagons, then the terrorists and antisemites have won,” said ADL NY/NJ Regional Director Scott Richman. “If we learn that safety and security require a comprehensive and smart approach, then the Jewish community wins. The purpose of today’s webinar is to present some of the elements of that comprehensive approach and the key players in that space.” Richman moderated the discussion and the question-and-answer session with attendees.
In addition to providing resources, panelists highlighted the importance of establishing relationships with local law enforcement before a crisis occurs.
“Hate crimes are a high priority for the FBI because of their wide-ranging effects,” said Michael Brodack, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the FBI New York Field Office. “We understand that it’s not only an attack on the individual, but it’s also an effort to threaten and intimidate the entire community.”
“I wish we lived in a world where it’s an ‘if’ something happens, but unfortunately, it’s a ‘when,’” said ADL Vice President of Law Enforcement and Security Greg Ehrie. “You need to report graffiti. You may think it’s insignificant but it could be indicative of a wider trend.”
In response to the threats, ADL included several action steps:
- Call on your Representative to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
- Learn more about threats to the Jewish community: https://www.adl.org/blog/six-facts-about-threats-to-the-jewish-community
- Training Programs through The New Jersey office of Homeland Security and Prevention (NJOHSP): https://www.njohsp.gov/programs
- Apply for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant: https://www.njohsp.gov/grants/nsgp
- Apply for a security assessment with the Community Security Initiative (CSI): ttps://www.jcrcny.org/services-requests/
- Apply for entry point through the Community Security Service: https://thecss.org/register-your-synagogue-to-entry-point/
If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of antisemitism, extremism, bias, bigotry or hate, please report it to ADL at www.adl.org/reportincident. If this is an emergency, please contact 911.
ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.
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