Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 16 July 2025

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. 

What All Jewish Americans Need to Know Right Now: SCN’s Patrick Daly on Rising Antisemitic Threat Levels in US

Deputy Director of the Secure Community Network (SCN) highlights rising antisemitic threat levels across the U.S., urging Jewish communities to remain vigilant while continuing daily life. He notes that threats are more persistent and diverse, including targeted attacks, harassment, and swatting, requiring organizations to review security plans and ensure layered security measures are in place. Daly emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity, fostering partnerships with law enforcement, and participating in training to build resilience. He reassures communities that while threats are increasing, preparation and collaboration can significantly reduce risks while maintaining a welcoming environment. SCN also emphasized that every Jewish institution should conduct annual basis training on situation awareness, countering-active threat training, and stop the bleed.

Analyst Comments: Daly’s emphasis on layered security, reporting, and community-law enforcement partnerships aligns with best practices for addressing rising antisemitic threats while preserving operational continuity for Jewish institutions. Faith-based organizations should consider prioritizing clear protocols for suspicious activity reporting and regular drill for congregants. Alongside, sharing threat indicators and lessons learned across communities can strengthen resilience while avoiding reactive security measures that could create unnecessary fear or disrupt daily functions. 

Missouri To Create Task Force to Protect Churches, Other Nonprofits from Terrorism

Missouri is establishing a new task force aimed at protecting churches and other nonprofits from terrorism and violent threats, responding to a rise in incidents targeting these institutions. Governor Mike Kehoe announced the initiative, which will bring together state agencies, local law enforcement, faith leaders, and nonprofit representatives to assess vulnerabilities, share intelligence, and strengthen preparedness. The task force will also explore grant opportunities to help organizations improve physical security and training while working to maintain open and welcoming environments. This move follows concerns over increased threats and attacks against faith-based and nonprofit organizations across the nation.

Analyst Comments: This task force reflects a proactive step by Missouri to address the rising threat environment facing faith-based and nonprofit sectors. By including law enforcement, state agencies, and community leaders, the initiative supports collaborative threat assessment and resource sharing, which can strengthen statewide situational awareness and readiness. Implementation will require clear communication channels, define reporting protocols, and training that balances security with the missions of these organizations.           

United Church of Christ synod denounces ICE raids as ‘domestic terrorism.’

The United Church of Christ (UCC) General Synod has passed a resolution denouncing ICE raids as a form of domestic terrorism, citing the fear and harm these raids inflict on immigrant communities. The resolution calls on congregations to offer sanctuary and support to immigrants facing deportation and urges elected officials to pursue immigration policies rooted in justice and compassion. UCC leaders emphasized that these actions align with their faith’s call to protect the vulnerable and advocate for systemic change, framing the resolution as a response to the growing trauma within immigrant communities caused by enforcement practices.

Analyst Comments: The UCC’s resolution signals a continued trend of faith-based organizations engaging in direct advocacy on immigration issues, framing enforcement actions as moral and community concerns rather than solely legal matters. If ICE comes to your faith-based organization, remain calm, do not obstruct officers, and be aware of your rights. For more about how HOWs should respond to ICE, members can reference the Weekly Advisory, published earlier today.

Resources:

• Immigration Enforcement – Guidance for Places of Worship
• Immigration Enforcement Action: What Churches Need to Know