Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 1 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. 

Iran Suspected of Scouting Jewish Targets in Europe

German authorities arrested a Danish national who was suspected to be collecting information on Jewish targets in Berlin for Iran. The individual was seen taking photographs of the German-Israeli Society headquarters and a residence linked to Central Council leader Josef Schuster allegedly under direction from Iran’s Quds Force, part of the IRGC. Official warn this case reflects a broader pattern of Tehran-directed operations across Europe, which have increasingly leveraged criminal networks and proxy agents to surveil or prepare attacks on Jewish institutions and individuals. Iran’s government has denied involvement, labeling the claims as disinformation. Reflecting serious regional concern, leaders including Schuster urged European governments to respond with heightened vigilance and measures to protect Jewish communities.

Analyst Comments: This incident highlights Iran’s sustained use of proxy operatives and criminal networks to surveil and potentially target Jewish institutions in Europe, aligning with Tehran’s broader asymmetric strategy amid escalating Middle East tensions. Faith-based institutions, particularly Jewish communal sites, should consider revisiting layered security measures, strengthen coordination with local law enforcement, and enhance suspicious activity reporting channels. FB-ISAO members continue to share regular updates related to the ongoing threat environment in our Slack workspace, including related to threats coming from Middle East conflicts. If you are interested in joining in the conversation, but are not yet a member, you can learn more here.

After U.S. strikes on Iran, officials warn of retaliation from ‘sleeper cells’ in the U.S.

In the wake of U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, domestic security officials have heightened warnings about Tehran-backed “sleeper cells” operating within the United States fearing both clandestine operatives and domestically radicalized individuals targeting U.S. government, Jewish communities, or other symbolic sites. While Iran’s IRGC has historically deployed small undercover networks abroad, experts stress that any attack on U.S. soil would require extraordinary desperation; nevertheless, the threat is deemed real, as evidenced by government advisories and alerts from the Department of Homeland Security and FBI urging vigilance amid elevated tensions.

Analyst Comments: The current elevated threat environment underscores the need for proactive security planning across sectors, including critical infrastructure, law enforcement, and private entities. Faith-based institutions, particularly Jewish and Muslim communities are encouraged to stay vigilant by reviewing physical security postures, maintaining strong communication with law enforcement, and ensuring staff and volunteers are briefed on reporting suspicious behavior. “Soft targets” like houses of worship remain attractive for symbolic retaliation. As DHS and the FBI continue to issue situational updates, organizations should consider leveraging existing protective security guidance, conduct regular drills, and ensure clear communication plans are in place to enhance resilience during this period of heightened concern.

Review and Discussion of Incident Crosspoint Community Church

On June 22^nd, 2025, a man entered the grounds of the Crosspoint Community Church in Wayne Michigan and began firing his weapon. Inside the church, people began to take cover and evacuate. Video footage of the evacuation is available on open-source media.

FB-ISAO is hosting a discussion of the incident to analyze what went right and what could have been done differently. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn from this discussion. The discussion will take place on July 9^th at 12pm ET. This is a member only event.

You can register here.