Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 09 January 2024

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.

Sinai Temple Receives Bomb Threat

Hometown News Now reports that a Michigan synagogue received a bomb threat on 8 January. In addition to local law enforcement, the FBI is investigating the incident.

Related article:

• Michigan City synagogue gets bomb threat

Analyst Comment:

DAP has been reporting a rash of bomb threats made to houses of worship and government facilities. Overseas, a possible bombing attempt was interrupted by law enforcement, and an actual bombing killed almost 100 people.

The Massachusetts State Police have recently released Massachusetts Bomb Threat Response Guidance. This in-depth, two-page guide “Provides guidance for local police, fire and facility managers.” Faith-Based Organization facility managers should consider utilizing this guide. The guidance is recommended to be part of an “emergency operations plan or all-hazard plan”.

The January 4 DAP provided a link to a FEMA’s Bomb Threat Assessment for Decision Makers  course. The January 4 DAP also provided an extensive list of links to publications and videos related to bomb threat evaluation and response.

Weekly Security Sprint EP 48. Physical Security Galore! (gate15.global)

The Gate 15 Security Sprint is a weekly rundown of the 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 discuss physical security incidents and challenges, including:

• Motive sought for mass shooting at Prague university that left more than a dozen dead
• 1 killed, 5 injured by Iowa school shooter on the first day after winter break
• FBI calls bomb threats that led to brief lockdowns and evacuations of some state capitols a hoax
• Bomb Hoaxes and ‘Swatting’ Attempts Target Public Officials as 2024 Begins
• CA synagogues on high alert after receiving threatening emails
• Suspects held over alleged Argentina parcel plot
• Blasts kill nearly 100 at slain commander Soleimani’s memorial; Iran vows revenge
• Islamic State claims responsibility for deadly Iran attack, Tehran vows revenge
• CAIR: Join the Jan. 13th ‘March on Washington for Gaza’ in Washington, D.C.
• Groups plan massive march for Gaza cease-fire in DC next week. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other organizers will begin the Gaza solidarity event at the National Mall on Jan. 13 at 1 p.m., gathering near the Washington Monument.

The above Gate 15 Weekly Security Sprint website also provides links to many security-related items of interest, including the recently released CISA: Personal Security Considerations Action Guide.

Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found at Podcasts (gate15.global).