Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 20 December 2023

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.

Hundreds of false bomb threats to Jewish institutions are believed to originate from outside the US, FBI says

“At this time, based on similar language and specific email tradecraft used, it appears the perpetrators of these threats are connected. Additionally, these threats appear to be originating from outside of the United States,” the FBI said in a message to national Jewish organizations that was obtained by CNN. “To date, none of these email threats have involved any actual explosive devices or credible risk of harm to congregants,” the bureau added.

Below are related items that FB-ISAO members have reported on:

• Nearly 200 false bomb threats at institutions, synagogues. Jewish community is on alert.

• NJ: Livingston Temple Was Target Of Antisemitic Threat: Police

• MS: Jackson rabbi: Congregation has ‘increased vigilance’ after bomb threats to Jewish temples
• FBI responds to bomb threat towards East Lansing Synagogue

• Nashville rabbi addresses bomb threat at local synagogue amid nationwide anti-Semitic threats

• Police investigating bomb threat at Ann Arbor synagogue –

• Synagogue in NH received bomb threat over the weekend as part of nationwide hoax, police say

• Bomb threats called into metro Atlanta synagogues

Analyst Comments:

Bomb threats continue against house of worship, almost exclusively against synagogues and other Jewish facilities. Yesterday’s Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 19 December 2023 reported on the continuing rash of bomb threats. Monday’s Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 18 December 2023 provided some resources for dealing with bomb threats, suspicious packages, and swatting incidents.

The Consolidated Bomb Squad of the Nevada Washoe County Sheriff’s Office offers the following guidance:

“The response to bomb threats starts with the entities that receive the threat and being prepared and having a plan on how you will respond when that threat is received. Having response plans established can reduce confusion in a stressful situation. Identifying search teams and understanding the difference between unattended and suspicious items can be instrumental in timely notification of proper authorities or a determination of the threat being deemed unsubstantiated. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Bombing Prevention (OBP) has published several useful videos and publications that can provide guidance in response to bomb threats.”

The bomb squad also recommend CISA’s All Bomb Threat Products website, which offers extensive publications and videos.

They also recommend a one-hour, online Bomb Threat Assessment for Decision Makers – Center for Domestic Preparedness (dhs.gov) course. The course offerings begin January 9, 2024. 

Other training can be found at the Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) Training Program | CISA website.

Monday’s DAP listed the following resources for bomb threats, suspicious packages, and swatting incidents:

• A 28-page Bomb Threat Guide is provided by CISA and the FBI. 
• CISA Bombing Prevention webpage, which includes a Bomb Threat Checklist and videos on how to respond to bomb threats and suspicious or unattended items.
• The US Postal Service Inspectors provide Poster 84 – Suspicious Mail or Packages to help identify suspicious packages.
• DHS’ Science and Technology Directorate feature article on Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Is Smart for Explosive Detection

The resources below address swatting incidents.

In September the Forward published an article on How to protect your congregation from swatting and bomb threats during High Holiday services.

The article provides guidance from security professionals on:

• Before a potential swatting or bomb threat incident occurs,
• What to do during a swatting incident,
• What to do after receiving a bomb threat,
• And how to keep your synagogue livestream safe.

The live stream information is included because – “One thing this summer’s swatting incidents and bomb threats targeting Jewish institutions had in common was that the perpetrators appeared to be selecting synagogues that were live streaming their services.”

They also provide the following tip – “Some cities allow individuals to place their address in a police database of locations that may be targeted by swatting. The list is intended to help officers know they should proceed with caution. However, synagogues might be reluctant to use these tools because they also may face real threats requiring a quick police response.”

A Campus Safety article is aimed at schools, but the information could apply to all FBO facilities. The Swatting Incidents: 4 Ways to Reduce Widespread Panic, Improve Response article provides details for the following four steps:

• Collaborate and Communicate with Local Law Enforcement
• Use Technology to Locate the Source, Communicate Emergencies, and Detect Unusual Behavior
• Collect Data on All Incidents
• Educate Students and Staff

The Maine School Safety Center provides information on  Anonymous Threats, Swatting, and more.

As always, the Faith-Based ISAO’s website provides resources in the Resource Library.

Trends in Terrorism: What’s on the Horizon in 2024?

From the Foreign Policy Research Institute:

• With its brutal terrorist attack on October 7, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas has made the war in Gaza a central component of the terrorist threat landscape heading into 2024. Not only did the devastating terrorist attack demonstrate a capability and intent that few believed Hamas to possess, but it also led counterterrorism analysts worldwide to re-interrogate their prior assumptions about the conventional wisdom in terms of the most potent threats.
• The Sahel region of Africa is likely to remain the center of gravity for jihadist groups affiliated with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. Terrorists there will take advantage of failed states and ungoverned spaces characterized by porous borders, weak security forces, and illegitimate military juntas.
• The terrorism threat is far from static—when a group suffers setbacks, including leadership decapitation, it rarely signals extinction. Time and time again, these groups are resuscitated or go through several iterations before surging back.

UK NPSA: New tools for venues and public spaces considering security requirements

From the United Kingdom’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA):

Any venue or public space could be a potential target of a terrorist action, although locations that attract larger crowd densities are generally likely to be at higher risk than those that are less busy … Any venue and public space may also be vulnerable to the impact of an indirect attack – because of proximity to neighbouring sites, areas, businesses, or other organisations that may be targeted. It is therefore important that security is considered in relation to all venues and public spaces and an appropriate, proportionate approach is taken to mitigate security risks … NPSA and the Home Office have developed three tools to support those involved in the planning and management of venues and public spaces in considering security requirements to help protect these locations.

• Venues and Public Spaces: Guidance for Facilities Managers
• Venues and Public Spaces: Guidance for Planning Consultants
• Venues and Public Spaces: Guidance for Planning Officers

Analyst Comments:

During the holiday season, many Faith-Based Organizations will have large public gatherings. Planners should consider using the tools provided by the United Kingdom’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA).

Reminder of Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Webinar Today

DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Invitation: Non-Profit Security Grant Program FY2024 Winter Webinar Series + Other DHS Resources