Communal Security Advice for the London 2012 Olympics period
The 2012 London Olympic Games presents specific security challenges to the whole of the UK Jewish community. CST is conscious of the potential impact that the games present specifically to the Jewish community in terms of a far greater number of overseas visitors who will visit our communities and the potential security challenges this brings. The advice below is designed to help our community to celebrate the games and welcome visitors, whilst bearing in mind the need for enhanced security measures.
If you are a visitor to the UK and wish to report an antisemitic incident, you can do so by clicking on “Report an Incident” (right) or by phoning 020 8457 9999 (London & the South) or 0161 792 6666 (Manchester & the North). In an emergency always call the Police on 999, then call CST.
It is important to clarify that CST does not have any specific information at this time to suggest that the UK Jewish Community is at greater risk during this period.
Securing Communal Buildings and Events:
Normal security procedures should be enforced and increased where necessary.
Security Precautions – REMINDER
Effective security focuses on observing outwards from the building – spot the problem before the problem comes to you.
External security patrols (outer circles of security) should be implemented and/or increased especially during arrival, playtime (where applicable) and departure.
Be alert for suspicious people and activities including parked cars and unattended bags.
Be aware of your surroundings when arriving and leaving communal buildings and events.
Search external then internal areas before fully opening up your building and remember to keep all external doors secured when the building is in use.
Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even if they are accompanied by someone you know. Vehicle access should also be restricted to known vehicles only.
Be aware of ‘tailgating’ – someone following close behind and attempting to gain access to the building when the doors/gates are opened for an arriving or departing visitor or member of staff.
Try to prevent staff and visitors from congregating outside your building especially upon arrival and departure. Encourage people to disperse as quickly as possible, e.g. after services, at the end of the school day, or at the end of an event.
Pay special attention to the security of those outside your location. If you spot a suspicious person, object, bag, package or vehicle, immediately instruct people to move away. Either disperse them away from the area of concern or take them inside the building. Call the police immediately on 999 and then CST without delay (see telephone numbers below).
Ensure that all of your security equipment, alarm systems, security lighting and CCTV equipment are working correctly. Check that lenses are cleaned and video equipment is recording.
Ensure that deliveries are expected and if not, do not accept them. All post/deliveries must be checked for the following suspicious signs:
Is it bulky, over-sealed, too much postage, strange address or addressee, unusual handwriting, grease stains, unusual smell, weighs too much, signs that it may contain powder etc?
Don’t take a chance -------- REFUSE IT!!
Visitor Procedures:
Some visitors may contact you in advance to arrange a visit to your building via telephone or email and others may arrive at your building without notice.
In every case, you must establish who they are and why they wish to visit. It is important that you ask any relevant questions to ascertain that they are genuine.
Ask for their name, address (UK and abroad), date of birth, country of origin, who they know in the community, which Synagogue they belong to, who is their Rabbi, do they speak Hebrew etc?
Please refer to the ‘Questioning & Challenging Tips’ section in the CST Security Manual and if you have any doubt please contact CST for advice.
If they are booking in advance and you are absolutely satisfied that they & all members of their party are genuine, you should at that point provide relevant details for their visit and ask them to bring a passport. Inform whoever is in charge of security on the day of their visit, furnish them with the information that you have been given and ask them to check their credentials prior to granting access.
If the visitor arrives un-announced, again the relevant questions must be asked and Passport details should be checked to verify the information they have provided you with is correct. Do not grant access unless 100% satisfied that they are genuine.
In all cases:
- All bags should be searched and deposited in a cloakroom if possible.
- At all times, visitors should be closely monitored whist inside your building. If they behave
suspiciously take a photograph, ask them to leave, call the Police and CST immediately.
Remember – you have the right to refuse admission to anyone you are not satisfied with.
If you decide to refuse entry to a visitor, write down their full name, full address (UK and abroad), contact phone number and any other relevant information including a description (ideally take a photograph). Explain that someone will contact them to make an appointment, and then pass this information to CST as soon as possible.
IF IN DOUBT – KEEP THEM OUT! Contact CST on the numbers below immediately. It is important that this information is disseminated to other local communal buildings as soon as possible.
Emergency Procedures:
All emergency procedures should be reviewed including Evacuation and Invacuation. Ideally you should have multiple options available to allow safe Evacuation/Invacuation no matter where the problem occurs.
When dealing with emergency procedures it is important that they are documented specifically for your location. Your procedures should have the ability to be used at any time and for any use. It is vitally important that all senior personnel know, understand and practice these procedures which should be kept in a secure but accessible location.
Event Guidelines:
If your building is hosting or organising any events prior to, during or immediately after the Olympic Games please contact CST at the earliest convenience for advice, help and guidance.
TERRORISM CASES AND UK JEWISH COMMUNITIES
A husband and wife from Oldham, Mohammed Sajid Khan and Shasta Khan, have been convicted of terrorism charges relating to a plot to target Jewish communities in Greater Manchester with improvised explosive devices. They repeatedly drove to Jewish neighbourhoods in Prestwich and Salford; had been collecting materials to construct explosives; and had started experimenting in bomb making.
Their plan was uncovered in July 2011 after police were called to a domestic incident. Greater Manchester Police and CST have worked in partnership with Jewish locations named in the trial; and security advice and briefings have been given to organisations across the Jewish community.
In a separate case, it has only now been revealed that in June 2011, a senior al-Qaeda leader in East Africa was found to be carrying documents suggesting the targeting of Jewish communities in Golders Green and Stamford Hill, London. Furthermore, in February 2012, nine British men were convicted on various terror charges that included their considering two UK synagogues as potential targets for letter bombs.
These cases are reminders of the enduring efforts of al-Qaeda and its supporters to attack Jewish communities. Similarly, Iran also poses a terrorist threat. Most importantly, CST urges the community to continue to lead its way of life to the full, to support communal security efforts and to report any suspicious activities to CST and the Police.
SECURITY REMINDERS
• Be aware of your surroundings when arriving and leaving communal buildings
• Remember to keep all external doors secured even when the building is in use
• Be alert to suspicious people and activities around your building. These include parked cars and unattended bags
• Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even if they are accompanied by someone you know
• Do not accept unexpected post or deliveries until someone has confirmed it was expected. If you are not sure send it back with the courier
• Try to prevent staff and visitors from congregating outside your building. Encourage people to disperse as quickly as possible, e.g. after services, at the end of the school day, at the end of an event
• Ensure all security equipment, alarms and CCTV are working correctly. Check that lenses are cleaned and video equipment is recording
• Should you require advice or training on any matters relating to security please contact CST
Potential Al-Qaeda targeting of London Jewish communities -12 July 2012
Media reports have revealed that documentation concerning the potential targeting of Jewish communities in the Golders Green and Stamford Hill areas of London, possibly during the festival of Chanukah, was found on the body of a senior al-Qaeda leader, Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, who was shot dead in Somalia in June 2011.
The documentation suggested that other, non-Jewish locations, including Eton College and the Dorchester and Ritz hotels, were also considered as potential targets by al-Qaeda.
This information was discovered at the time of Mohammed’s death but had remained confidential until now. It was shared with CST by the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command on a confidential basis at the time of its discovery as part of our joint work protecting the Jewish community.
Whilst the specific nature of the information is of course worrying, it does not fundamentally change the general, long-term terrorist threat that the UK Jewish community faces and which guides CST’s security procedures and our work with the Police.
We urge the Jewish community to remain alert, but not to be alarmed and to ensure that it continues leading its communal life to the full. We ask community members to fully co-operate with existing security measures and to report any suspicious activity to the Police and to CST.
SECURITY REMINDERS
• Be aware of your surroundings when arriving and leaving communal buildings
• Remember to keep all external doors secured even when the building is in use
• Be alert to suspicious people and activities around your building. These include parked cars and unattended bags
• Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even if they are accompanied by someone you know
• Do not accept unexpected post or deliveries until someone has confirmed it was expected. If you are not sure send it back with the courier
• Try to prevent staff and visitors from congregating outside your building. Encourage people to disperse as quickly as possible, e.g. after services, at the end of the school day, at the end of an event
• Ensure all security equipment, alarms and CCTV are working correctly. Check that lenses are cleaned and video equipment is recording
• Should you require advice or training on any matters relating to security please contact CST
Manchester Terrorism Trial - Update - 22 June 2012
Mohammed Sajid Khan, from Oldham, has pleaded guilty to terrorism offences in connection with an alleged bombing campaign against the Jewish community in Manchester. His wife, Shasta Khan, has pleaded not guilty and she is now on trial.
According to the prosecution, the couple researched information on a variety of Jewish locations in Manchester, including the Northumberland Street and Upper Park Road areas, the Jewish Agency office and the website of Keren Hayesod (known in the UK as UJIA). It is alleged that the Khans drove around Broughton Park and Prestwich to look at the Jewish community there. The jury saw a video made by the police re-enacting the route that the Khans are accused of taking, showing Jewish people on the streets.
Mohammed Sajid Khan allegedly told his wife “We must kill them all” while watching Jewish people going into what she described as a “temple”.
The prosecution also allege that the Khans had extensive jihadi propaganda from al-Qaeda and other radical Islamists. This included bomb-making instructions and they had begun the process of buying materials and assembling an improvised explosive device. Mohammed Sajid Khan is also accused of having been in possession of a machine gun.
The evidence so far shows that this was a very serious plot, which was only averted through good fortune as the result of a separate, domestic altercation between Mohammed Sajid Khan and Shasta Khan’s father.
CST has been in close contact with Greater Manchester Police and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit throughout their investigation and the cooperation we, and the local community, have received from them has been excellent. It is believed that the Khans acted alone and were not in contact with any wider group, but nevertheless we are ensuring that all the appropriate security measures are in place throughout the community. We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police during the course of the trial to provide the local community with all the reassurance and support that it needs.
CST advises all Jewish communal organisations and buildings in the UK to ensure that all security measures are followed rigorously, and that the fullest co-operation is given to security personnel. Suspicious activities and antisemitic incidents should be reported to Police on 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergencies, and then to local security personnel or the nearest CST office.
London CST can be contacted on 020 8457 999/emergency 24 hour number 07659 101668
Manchester CST 0161 792 6666/emergency 24 hour number 0800 980 0668
SECURITY REMINDERS
Be aware of your surroundings when arriving and leaving communal buildings
Remember to keep all external doors secured even when the building is in use
Be alert to suspicious people and activities around your building. These include parked cars and unattended bags
Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even if they are accompanied by someone you know
Do not accept unexpected post or deliveries until someone has confirmed it was expected. If you are not sure send it back with the courier
Try to prevent staff and visitors from congregating outside your building. Encourage people to disperse as quickly as possible, e.g. after services, at the end of the school day, at the end of an event
Ensure all security equipment, alarms and CCTV are working correctly. Check that lenses are cleaned and video equipment is recording
Should you require advice or training on any matters relating to security please contact CST
If you have any questions regarding the trial please contact CST, and for further updates see the CST website and blog at www.thecst.org.uk and follow CST on twitter @CST_UK.
A terrorism trial has begun today at Manchester Crown Court which CST expects to be of interest and concern to the UK Jewish community.
The trial is expected to last for approximately three weeks. CST cannot be certain as to what information will be made public by the judge, nor the timeframe within which this will occur.
The defendant is Shasta Khan, of Oldham. She is charged with:
Engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism contrary to section 5 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2006
Three counts of possessing a record of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism contrary to section 58 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Evidence will be presented which suggests that the defendant carried out research into the Jewish community of Greater Manchester.
CST has been in close contact with the North West Counter Terrorism Unit and is entirely satisfied that the police intervention was appropriate. Police cooperation with CST has been excellent throughout.
CST stresses that its security partnerships with Police and Jewish communal locations and events are rigorous and in correct proportion to the current threat.
If you have any questions regarding this case please contact CST. For further updates please check the CST website and blog at www.thecst.org.uk and follow CST on twitter @CST_UK.
Following the tragic attack upon a Jewish school in Toulouse, south west France, CST requests that all parents of children at Jewish schools continue giving school security personnel and staff their fullest cooperation.
CST is not aware of any specific information linking the Toulouse attack to the UK Jewish community. It is, however, important that our community remains alert at this difficult time and, wherever possible, parents are encouraged to contact and join their local security teams.
Suspicious activities and antisemitic incidents should be reported to Police on 999, and then to local security personnel, or the nearest CST office:
London and Southern Regions 020 8457 9999
Emergency 24 hour number 07659 101 668
Manchester and Northern Regions 0161 792 6666
Emergency 24 hour number 0800 980 0668 www.thecst.org.uk
SECURITY REMINDERS
• Ensure that staff and visitors DO NOT congregate outside your building especially upon arrival
and departure
• External security patrols (outer circles of security) should be implemented and/or increased
especially at arrival and departure times
• Pay special attention to the security of those outside your location
• Search external, then internal areas before fully opening up your building and remember to keep
all external doors secured when the building is in use
• Be alert to suspicious people and activities including parked cars and unattended bags
• Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even when accompanied
by someone you know. Vehicle access should also be restricted to known vehicles only
• Do not accept unexpected post, deliveries etc until they have been cleared by the intended recipient
• Items must be kept outside your location until cleared as suitable for acceptance
• If you cannot confirm that it is genuine, do not accept the delivery – send it back with the courier
Shooting at a Jewish School in France - March 2012
At least four people, including three children, have been killed in a shooting at a Jewish school in Toulouse, south west France. According to news reports, a gunman opened fire outside the school before fleeing on a scooter. CST is not aware of any specific information indicating a threat to the UK Jewish community, but this is a reminder of the general threat of terrorism to Jewish schools and other communal buildings. CST will continue to liaise with police and our counterparts in the French Jewish community as the exact details of this incident continue to emerge.
CST requests all parents of children at Jewish schools to give school security personnel and staff your fullest cooperation and wherever possible volunteer to do security duty at your school.
Suspicious activities and antisemitic incidents should be reported to Police on 999, and then to local security personnel, or the nearest CST office:
London and Southern Regions 020 8457 9999
Emergency 24 hour number 07659 101 668
Manchester and Northern Regions 0161 792 6666
Emergency 24 hour number 0800 980 0668 www.thecst.org.uk
SECURITY REMINDERS
• Ensure that staff and visitors DO NOT congregate outside your building especially upon arrival
and departure
• External security patrols (outer circles of security) should be implemented and/or increased
especially at arrival and departure times
• Pay special attention to the security of those outside your location
• Search external, then internal areas before fully opening up your building and remember to keep
all external doors secured when the building is in use
• Be alert to suspicious people and activities including parked cars and unattended bags
• Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even when accompanied
by someone you know. Vehicle access should also be restricted to known vehicles only
• Do not accept unexpected post, deliveries etc until they have been cleared by the intended recipient
• Items must be kept outside your location until cleared as suitable for acceptance
• If you cannot confirm that it is genuine, do not accept the delivery – send it back with the courier
Possible terrorist incidents targeting Israeli diplomats in India and Georgia
According to media reports, an Israeli diplomat’s car has exploded in New Delhi, India, today, injuring one person, and explosives have also been found near the Israeli Embassy in Tblisi, Georgia.
While the exact circumstances of these two incidents are not yet clear, CST advises all Jewish communal organisations and buildings in the UK to ensure that all security measures are followed rigorously, and that the fullest co-operation is given to security personnel.
Suspicious activities and antisemitic incidents should be reported to Police on 999, and then to local security personnel, or the nearest CST office.
London CST can be contacted on 020 8457 999/emergency 24 hour number 07659 101668;
Manchester CST 0161 792 6666/emergency 24 hour number 0800 980 0668.
SECURITY REMINDERS
• Be alert to suspicious people and activities including parked cars and unattended bags.
• Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even if they are accompanied by
someone you know.
• DO NOT accept unexpected post, deliveries etc until they have been cleared by the intended
recipient.
• Items must be kept OUTSIDE your location until cleared as suitable for acceptance.
• If you cannot confirm that it is genuine, DO NOT ACCEPT THE DELIVERY – send it back with the
courier.
• Encourage all members of staff to tell security, reception, and caretaker personnel of expected
deliveries, including the names of senders and couriers.
• If you see anything which you deem suspicious, call the Police immediately – dial 999 and then contact CST
The High Holy Days are the most important time in the Jewish calendar. As in previous years, CST will be providing security in partnership with Jewish communities and Police throughout the country. These operations are sadly necessary at this most important time of year and CST thanks our community in advance for its co-operation in these measures.
Those undertaking security duties at synagogues should be especially alert for suspicious people and/or activity around their buildings, prior to, during and after services and other gatherings. Report any suspicious activity and vehicles immediately to the Police on 999 and then CST. Further instructions are as follows:
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS REMINDERS
• Effective security focuses on observing outwards from the building to; a) ‘identify a potential problem before the problem comes to you’ and b) provide an active security deterrent • External security patrols (outer circles of security) should be implemented and/or increased especially for arrival and departure of the community • Be aware of your surroundings when arriving and leaving communal buildings • Search external, then internal areas before fully opening up your building and remember to keep all external doors secured when the building is in use • All security volunteers must be briefed as to what their roles are, what to look for and how to act in an emergency. They should also be debriefed at the end of their shift to ensure key information is passed along. • Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even when accompanied by someone you know. Vehicle access should also be restricted to known vehicles only • Pay special attention to the security of those outside your location. • If you spot a suspicious person, object, bag, package or vehicle, immediately instruct people to move away. Either disperse the community to a safer location or take them inside the building. Call police on 999 and then CST without delay • Try to prevent staff and visitors from congregating outside your building especially upon arrival and departure. Encourage the community to disperse as quickly as possible after services • A means of communication in an emergency MUST be available • All buildings should have plans in-place for “evacuation” and “invacuation” (moving the community to a safer area inside the building, away from glass and behind solid walls) and all security personnel should be briefed fully on these procedures
CST staff will be more than happy to assist your community should you require any further advice and assistance.
We wish all of our community a safe, secure and joyous High Holy Day period. For additional information, please contact CST.
For security advice and guidance, or to report an incident, please contact CST on the following numbers:
London & Southern Regions 020 8457 9999 Emergency 24hr Pager 07659 101 668
Manchester & Northern Regions 0161 792 6666 Emergency 24hr Number 0800 980 0668
IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS CALL THE POLICE ON 999, THEN CALL CST
PUBLIC DISORDER
Following the recent events of public disorder, CST would like to advise the community that although there have been no reports of targeted attacks against our community or communal buildings, security procedures should be reviewed & enhanced.
The violence is, however, quite indiscriminate and could as easily affect our community as any other. The situation remains highly volatile, and there is no way of knowing at this time if it will further deteriorate.
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS FOR ALL COMMUNAL BUILDINGS
Keep all external doors closed & secured even when the building is in use
Review your evacuation and invacuation procedures and brief all staff and visitors
Consider alternative evacuation routes & ensure routes away from the building are safe to pass through
Remove refuse & building materials or any other object from the outside of your property that could be used to break windows or damage your building & ensure your refuse bins are securely locked and chained away from your building
When your building is closed, ensure all windows and doors are securely locked and alarms are set
Be aware of your surroundings when arriving and leaving communal buildings & where possible members of staff should not leave on their own
Prevent staff and visitors from congregating outside your building. Encourage people to disperse as quickly as possible e.g. at the end of the work day, services or at the end of an event
Be alert to suspicious people, objects and activities around your building
Ensure all security equipment, alarms, exterior lighting and CCTV are working correctly. Check that CCTV lenses are cleaned and video equipment is recording
Consider securing items of value (either monetary or sentimental) either off site or in secure areas within the building (e.g. basements, safes etc)
Previous security advice from CST should also be adhered to
Should you require advice for events, training or any matters relating to security, please contact CST
PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
It’s always better to be “safe than sorry” – follow some of our personal safety tips to help keep yourself safe
Stick to well-lit public areas & never take shortcuts at night
Try to look & act confidently – look like you know where you are and where you are going
Ensure that you know where your children are at all times and that they are appropriately supervised and aware of their personal safety
Spread your valuables around your person e.g. keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket
Be aware about the valuables that you are carrying and don’t show them off. Talking on your mobile phone, carrying a laptop or showing your friend your new gold ring, all show thieves that you are worth robbing
If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it rather than get into a confrontation and risk injury
Do not listen to mp3 players etc whilst out walking or jogging - you need to be alert to your surroundings
Always let people know where you are going and what time you are expected to arrive & return
Stay with family and friends whenever possible and don’t walk home alone
Don’t walk and text on your mobile – you are likely to be distracted
Don’t leave valuables or important documents in your car in plain sight - place them in the boot
Walk facing the traffic to avoid unseen vehicles
If you think you are being followed – cross-over the road. If you are still concerned go to the nearest public place and ask for help (police station, shop, pub or petrol station)
Keep an eye on official media sources to help you avoid trouble areas
Do not hesitate to contact 999 if you feel threatened
The killing by American forces in Pakistan of terrorist leader, Osama bin Laden, increases the likelihood of terrorist attacks being attempted in the near future. (Such attacks would demonstrate the terrorists’ determination to continue their actions; and would be claimed as retaliation for their leader’s death.)
Such attacks may be attempted by individuals or small groups independently acting in support of global Jihadist ideology; or by actual al-Qaeda elements.
At this time, CST has no information regarding any direct or imminent threats against Jewish institutions arising from bin Laden’s death.
CST will continue to encourage our Community to remain vigilant, maintain awareness, and ensure security plans and procedures are in place.
CST will closely monitor the situation and will give further advice as and when necessary.
SECURITY REMINDERS •Be alert to suspicious people and activities including parked cars and unattended bags. •Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even if they are accompanied by someone you know. •DO NOT accept unexpected post, deliveries etc until they have been cleared by the intended recipient •Items must be kept OUTSIDE your location until cleared as suitable for acceptance •If you cannot confirm that it is genuine, DO NOT ACCEPT THE DELIVERY – send it back with the courier •Encourage all members of staff to tell security, reception, and caretaker personnel of expected deliveries, including the names of senders and couriers •If you receive an item which you deem suspicious, call the Police immediately - dial 999 and then contact CST •CST would be pleased to train and advise on all matters relating to the handling of post and parcel deliveries
CST reminds all synagogues, and other Jewish communal premises, to maintain established security measures throughout the Pesach period, especially when buildings are busy and in use.
There is no specific information at this time relating to possible threats here in Britain, beyond the existing relatively high threat that has persisted in recent years and is periodically revealed by arrests, trials and convictions of would be terrorists.
Nevertheless, it should also be noted that Israel has issued travel advisory notices relating to Greece, Turkey and the Far East, suggesting that there is an additional cause for overall concern at this time.
For further security advice, please visit CST's website (http://www.thecst.org.uk/) or contact CST directly. (London and the South 020 8457 9999; Manchester and the North 0161 792 6666.)
Security Precautions:
All locations are reminded to review and rehearse their security procedures, in particular evacuation out of a building, or invacuation to a secure room within a building, depending upon circumstance.
CST also stresses the need to be aware of potentially suspicious behaviour in the vicinity of communal premises, and suggests the following actions: • Be aware of your surroundings when arriving and leaving communal buildings • Remember to keep all external doors secured while the building is in use • Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your premises even if they are accompanied by someone you know • Pay special attention to the security of those outside your location. If you spot a suspicious person, object, bag, package or vehicle, immediately instruct people to move away. Either disperse them or take them inside the safety of the building. Call the police on 999 and then CST without delay (see telephone numbers below) • Try to prevent staff and visitors from congregating outside your premises especially upon arrival and departure. Encourage people to disperse as quickly as possible, e.g. after services, at the end of the school day, or at the end of an event • Ensure that all of your security equipment, alarm systems and CCTV equipment are working correctly. Check that lenses are cleaned and video equipment is recording __________________________________________________________________________________________
Terrorist case - targeting of Synagogues and Rabbis - 28 December 2010
Court hearings began on 27 December, of nine men arrested in counter-terror raids in Cardiff, London, Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent on 20 December.
The court heard that two Synagogues and their Rabbis were amongst a wider range of potential targets of the accused.
CST had been previously briefed by Police and we have discussed the threat with the Rabbis concerned and with the security at their locations.
For legal and security reasons, CST will not be disclosing the identities of the Synagogues and Rabbis, unless their names appear in the media. We shall of course be ensuring that the Jewish community continues to implement rigorous security measures at this time.
There is no information, at this stage, to suggest that this represents a new level of threat to our community. Rather, it confirms, yet again, the need for our current high levels of security across the community.
Arrests in Cardiff, Stoke-on-Trent and London are a reminder that terrorists have often tried to use the winter holiday season as a time to launch attacks. CST advises the Jewish community to retain its current high levels of security and vigilance over this period.
American authorities confirm two explosive devices were sent from Yemen to religious institutions in Chicago, including a synagogue.
The devices were in two parcels that were intercepted in transit, at airports in the UK and Dubai.
The parcels are believed to have been sent by supporters of al-Qaeda. It shows, yet again, the enduring terrorist threat against Jewish communities throughout the world, and the need to maintain a high state of alert.
CST notes that the UK remains under "severe" threat, meaning "an attack is highly likely". This is set by the government's Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre for the UK as a whole.
There is no specific intelligence regarding potential British Jewish targets, but CST stresses the need for the Jewish community to continue implementing its strict security procedures: particularly those for the handling of mail, especially unexpected post and deliveries.
SECURITY REMINDERS
•DO NOT accept unexpected post, deliveries etc until they have been cleared by the intended recipient •Items must be kept OUTSIDE your location until cleared as suitable for acceptance •If you cannot confirm that it is genuine, DO NOT ACCEPT THE DELIVERY – send it back with the courier •Encourage all members of staff to tell security, reception, and caretaker personnel of expected deliveries, including the names of senders and couriers •If you receive an item which you deem suspicious, call the Police immediately - dial 999 and then contact CST - 07659101668 •Ensure all who handle post, deliveries etc are briefed as to the above recommendations •CST would be pleased to train and advise on all matters relating to the handling of post and parcel deliveries
The UK's current level of terrorist threat - 5th October 2010
The UK's current level of terrorist threat is "severe", meaning that "an attack is highly likely." "Severe" is the 2nd highest threat level.
The threat is primarily from Al Qaeda and associated networks, and those who share Al Qaeda's ideology and methods.
The threat level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, the UK's centre for the analysis and assessment of international terrorism. The threat level is for the UK as a whole, particularly crowded places.
The threat level is not specific to the UK Jewish community, but terrorists have repeatedly targeted Jewish communities throughout the world in recent years. CST therefore urges the Jewish community to ensure that existing security measures are rigorously implemented at this time. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Security Awareness - High Holy Days 2010
The High Holy Days are the most important time in the Jewish calendar.
As in previous years, CST will be providing security in partnership with local Jewish communities and Police throughout the country. These operations are sadly necessary at this most important time of year and CST thanks our community in advance for its co-operation in these measures.
Those undertaking security duties at synagogues should be especially alert for suspicious people and/or activity around their buildings, prior to, during and after services and other gatherings. Any suspicious people, activity and vehicles should be reported immediately to the Police on 999 and then CST. Further instructions are as follows:
Security Precautions – REMINDER
Effective security focuses on observing outwards from the building – ‘spot the problem before the problem comes to you’
External security patrols (outer circles of security) should be implemented and/or increased especially during arrival and departure
Be alert for suspicious people and activities including parked cars and unattended bags / items
Be aware of your surroundings when arriving and leaving communal buildings
Search external, then internal areas before fully opening up your building and remember to keep all external doors secured when the building is in use
Challenge and question all strangers and visitors to your building even when accompanied by someone you know. Vehicle access should also be restricted to known vehicles only
Pay special attention to the security of those outside your location. If you spot a suspicious person, object, bag, package or vehicle, immediately instruct people to move away. Either disperse them or take them inside the building. Call police on 999 and then CST without delay
Try to prevent staff and visitors from congregating outside your building especially upon arrival and departure. Encourage the community to disperse as quickly as possible
All security volunteers must be briefed as to what their roles are, what to look for and how to act in an emergency. They should also be debriefed at the end of their shift
A means of communication in an emergency MUST be available
All buildings should have plans in-place for evacuation and “invacuation” (moving the community to a safer area inside the building, away from glass and behind solid walls)
CST staff will be more than happy to assist your community should you require advice and assistance throughout the year.
We wish all of our community a safe, secure and joyous High Holy Day period. For additional information, please contact CST.
For security advice and guidance, or to report an incident, please contact CST on the following numbers:
London & Southern Regions 020 8457 9999 Emergency 24hr Pager 07659 101 668
Manchester & Northern Regions 0161 792 6666 Emergency 24hr Number 0800 980 0668
IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS CALL THE POLICE ON 999, THEN CALL CST
