Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 22 April 2025

Faith-Based Security Headlines

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

Weekly Security Sprint EP 108. Scams, 3rd party diligence, cyber reports, hurricanes and more

The Gate 15 Security Sprint is a weekly rundown of he week’s notable all-hazards security news, risks and threats and some of the key focus areas for organizations to consider behind the headlines. Gate 15 team members discuss physical security, cybersecurity, natural hazards, health threats and other issues across our environment.    

In this week’s Security Sprint, Dave and Andy covered the following topics:

Scams
JCAT First Responder
UK
The Weather Channel

Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found  here. 

FB-ISAO’s Collaboration With Those Who are Lone Defenders

On April 2, 2025, the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (FB-ISAO) concluded a series on “Standing Up Teams” with a session titled “When You Can’t / Don’t Have a Team.” The discussion focused on how individuals often alone in their role can still contribute meaningfully to the security of their house of worship, even without a formal team.

Key Takeaways:

You’re Not Alone: Many faith communities lack formal security teams; this is a common challenge, not a failure.
Connect & Collaborate: FB-ISAO encourages individuals in this position to network via its Slack platform, especially in the new #coi_lone_defenders channel.
Bottom-Up Security: A grassroots approach can be effective individuals can build security culture by becoming skilled, informed, and proactive.
Self-Investment Is Crucial: Lone defenders are their institution’s most important asset. Training, learning, and awareness can significantly improve safety.
Watch for Burnout: Lone defenders often carry a heavy burden support networks, even virtual ones, can help prevent fatigue and isolation.

A Community of Interest (COI) has been launched for “Lone Defenders” within FB-ISAO. It’s a space for:

Sharing best practices
Exchanging advice
Collaborating on developing guidance
Supporting each other’s work

The initiative aims to empower individuals who are quietly protecting their faith communities whether those communities serve 10,000 or 100.

For more information on becoming a member, visit our membership page.

Antisemitic Incident Data Breaks All Previous Annual Records in 2024 for the Fourth Year in a Row

The ADL reported that antisemitic incidents in the U.S. reached a record high in 2024, continuing a four-year upward trend. There were 9,354 incidents of antisemitic assault, harassment, and vandalism, marking the highest number since the ADL began tracking in 1979. This represents :

5% increase from 2023 (another record-setting year),
344% increase over five years, and
893% increase over ten years.

Israel-Related Incidents: For the first time, a majority (58%) of all antisemitic incidents were linked to Israel or Zionism, with 2,596 incidents occurring at anti-Israel rallies that included antisemitic rhetoric (e.g., glorifying violence, conspiracy theories, Nazi comparisons).

Organizers: The groups Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) were the most active in protests involving antisemitism.
Assaults: 196 incidents (21% increase); 30% targeted Orthodox Jews. No fatalities.
Vandalism: 2,606 incidents (20% increase); 37% involved swastikas.
Harassment: 6,552 incidents, including 647 bomb threats.
College campuses: 1,694 incidents, up 84% from 2023.
Public areas: 3,452 incidents, a 19% increase.
Jewish institutions: 1,702 incidents (down 14% overall), but assaults and vandalism increased.
Bomb threats: 627 directed at Jewish institutions, especially synagogues.
Top states: New York (1,437 incidents) and California (1,344).
Top cities: New York City (976), Los Angeles (297).
962 incidents (down 17%), with 94% linked to Patriot Front, Goyim Defense League, and White Lives Matter.

Analyst Comments: This data demonstrates that antisemitism is not just persisting, but it’s adapting and embedding itself in broader protest movements and public discourse. The sharp increase in incidents linked to anti-Israel sentiment post-October 7 highlights how global events directly influence domestic hate trends. The 84% spike in campus-related antisemitic incidents is deeply concerning, while acknowledging nuanced differences between antisemitism and support for Palestinians are not always accurately depicted. Some of those differences, as well as the protection of the first amendment will be on display as Harvard’s lawsuit against the Trump administration plays out.

Security spending at many US Jewish schools has soared since Oct. 7 — study

Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel, Jewish day schools across the United States have significantly increased their security expenditures due to heightened antisemitic threats. A study by Teach Coalition revealed that average annual security spending at these schools rose by 47%, from approximately $215,560 to $315,943. This increase translates to about $854 per student, with security now comprising 2.35% of the average school’s budget. Notably, 40% of students are now subject to security fees averaging $367 per pupil.

The surge in security costs is attributed to the implementation of enhanced safety measures, including the hiring of additional security personnel, installation of surveillance systems, and fortification of school facilities. These measures are essential to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst the rising tide of antisemitic incidents.

In response to these escalating threats, the U.S. government has increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, allocating a record $454.5 million to support security enhancements at religious institutions, including Jewish schools. This funding aims to alleviate the financial burden on educational institutions and ensure the continued safety of their communities.

Analyst Comments: A 47% spike in average school security budgets is significant. It reflects not just a reactive posture to the post–Oct. 7 climate, but a structural shift in how religious institutions are planning long-term resilience. Any organization that is considering making significant changes to their security operations is encouraged to conduct a security assessment to help identify strengths and weaknesses, and where improvements will offer the best ROI. CISA offers a free K-12 School Security Assessment Tool that can help with that process. For other relevant school security resources, please reference the “Securing School Facilities and Students” page in our Resource Library.

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