In preparation for the High Holidays, ADL shared a list of security recommendations with Jewish institutions in the Pacific Southwest Region. In addition, ADL provided a list of Security Resources for the Jewish Community.
SECURITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE HIGH HOLIDAYS
Security should be a part of institution’s culture year round, but with the High Holidays approaching, and an increase in tensions related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, now is a particularly good time to for institutions to revisit their security plans and procedures and to remind staff, lay leaders, and members of those measures. In preparation for the High Holidays, we would like to share with you a list of strongly recommended best practices.
The following checklist is compiled from ADL’s comprehensive security manual Protecting Your Jewish Institution, which can be found at www.adl.org/security. Please also contact your ADL regional office for year-round security awareness training or to sign up to receive ADL’s security bulletins and alerts.
- Connect with local law enforcement to discuss security and advise them of High Holiday schedules and special events. In particular, communicate with the police commander of the jurisdiction in which your institution is located. If you are not sure whom to reach out to, ADL can help connect you with the appropriate command staff and personnel.
- Refer to ADL’s resource on Dealing with Protesters at Jewish Institutions, in order to be prepared for the possibility of demonstrations at upcoming events.
- Ensure that ushers understand that they play a critical role in security matters (even where there is security staff), as they are often used to control access to the sanctuary and are in a position to spot trouble early.
- Ensure that ushers are familiar with suspicious activity indicators, and encourage them to promptly report anything suspicious to the police or security personnel. Review ADL’s Guide to Detecting Surveillance at Jewish Institutions.
- A facility should have as few entry points as possible (ideally one), so that no one is able to enter your facility without being greeted and observed. Be sure to obey all fire codes and ensure adequate routes for exiting the building.
- Establish procedures for controlling access into your facility. It is important to establish policies and procedures well ahead of time so that ushers and others who are reacting to developing situations know how to respond according to pre-determined rules.
- If your institution has hired a police officer or security guard, provide them with specific instructions and identify someone to be their primary contact if they have questions (such as an usher captain).
- Ensure that staff, leadership, and constituents know their role in security and what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Encourage staff, leadership, and constituents to trust their instincts if they come across someone or something suspicious.
- Pre-event publicity for upcoming events should be reviewed in light of security. Potential gains in audience numbers must be weighed against the security concerns created through different types of publicity.
- Ensure that existing safety devices (video cameras, lights, walkie talkies, etc.) are in good working condition.
- Trust your instincts. If something strikes you as being out of place or problematic, contact the police immediately.