Security Enhancement Project

Background
During the past 40 years there have been 80 terrorist attacks on Jewish community buildings worldwide outside of Israel. These attacks have come from terrorists of all backgrounds and extremist ideologies. In 1994 terrorists attacked the Embassy of Israel and Balfour House in London using car bombs. Most recently, al-Qaeda and its supporters have attacked synagogues in Turkey and Tunisia and targeted Jewish communities in Europe. The threat of terrorism to the Jewish community in the UK is all too real.

CST travelled to Istanbul in order to learn from the terrorist attacks against two synagogues there in 2003. It quickly became apparent that, above all else, flying glass is the single greatest cause of death and injury. The lesson from this, and other terrorist bomb attacks, is simple. The most effective way to save lives and to prevent injuries is to shatter-proof the windows.

The Project
CST will ensure this vital work is carried out in over 600 communal buildings, including schools, synagogues and community centres. The Protective Windows Project is clearly a very large undertaking. It will include preparing detailed plans for each location. Our aim is to mitigate the loss of life, limb and other injuries by enhancing protection, and work with the management of the building to install and improve current security measures. CST has now identified several applications that might reduce the potential damage from flying glass:

• Anti-Shatter Film: A polyester film, with pressure-sensitive adhesive properties that is applied to the inside of the window to prevent the glass breaking up into lethal shards
• Cabling: These are tensed or taut cables of steel installed across the inside of the window and used in conjunction with anti-shatter film to serve as a “catch system” where it is likely the pane of glass will blow out from its frame
• Anchoring: Strengthens the connection between the window pane and the frame to reduce the risk of glass blowing out from its frame
• Bomb Blast Net Curtains: Used in conjunction with anti-shatter film to serve as a “catch system” to further prevent the danger of flying glass
• Liquid Film: Used on ribbed or frosted glass panes where
  anti-shatter film cannot be applied on a non-smooth surface
• Secondary Glazing: Where anti-shatter or liquid film cannot be applied, such as on stained glass windows, a secondary glazing barrier of laminated glass is fitted inside the existing external glazing
• Distance Creation: Use of physical measures such as anti-ram bollards and gates in conjunction with strong perimeter fencing to keep the threat away and at a secure distance

Throughout this project we will be working closely with the Police, as well as the Home Office Scientific Development Branch, to ensure their advice and requirements are fully integrated into the plans. CST is currently midway through this project which will cost £3 million. It is funded by CST through private donations.

This is the largest and most significant project CST has ever undertaken in order to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.