Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 14 June 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.

Eid Al-Adha greeting from Mayya Saab, Executive Director, Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization

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FB-ISAO Members, Friends, and Partners,

FB-ISAO, and its members would like to wish the Muslim community Eid Mubarak. Eid Al-Adha, is expected to begin on the eve of 16 June 2024 and marks the end of Hajj. This year, Hajj begins on 14 June. Eid Al-Adha is celebrated worldwide and coincides with the final day of Hajj and is the festival of sacrifice when Muslims commemorate Ibrahim’s test of faith. Eid Al-Adha is celebrated, over a three-day period, regardless of if a Muslim made the pilgrimage of Hajj.

Hajj 2024 is occurring during a time of heightened world-wide threats due to the war between Israel and Hamas. The Department of State has issued a Level 3 Advisory which asks people to reconsider travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition, from a 19 May 2024 Security Alert – Worldwide Caution, “Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”

Members travelling to Saudi Arabia should refer to information from the Department of State for the latest information on requirements and restrictions, if any. Saudi Arabia warns of a hot summer in this year’s Hajj season and the health minister of Saudi Arabia has urged pilgrims to follow the ministry’s health guidelines to keep safe from the heat. Carrying umbrellas, maintaining hydration and taking rest periods between rituals are necessary to avoid heat fatigue. Members may find information, from this post, useful for general planning purposes.

As members gather to celebrate Eid-Al-Adha state-side, preparedness is key. Considering the hostilities between Israel and Hamas, there has been a rise in Islamophobia and as such, members visibly celebrating Eid-Al-Adha may be subjected to harassment and other hate-based behavior. FB-ISAO and its members have been reporting on incidents of hate on various Slack channels. Further, members should be aware of the Hate Crime Threat Response Guide. Members with concerns should reach out to the team.

We wish the Muslim community love, blessings, and peace especially throughout the period of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha.

Sincerely,

Mayya Saab

Executive Director

FB-ISAO

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IRS warns against scams targeting seniors; joins other federal agencies to recognize special awareness day

The IRS websites details:

• Understanding the threats
  • Impersonation of known entities
  • Claims of problems or prizes
  • Pressure for immediate action
  • Specified payment methods
• Scam precautions and reporting
• Key points to remember

Additional Information Links on IRS Website:

• Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts
• Report Phishing and Online Scams
• The IRS Dirty Dozen: Annual list of scams affecting taxpayers
• Federal Trade Commission- How to avoid a government impersonation scam

Related Article:

• IRS Issues Warning to Millions of Older Americans
• How to recognize scams that target seniors

Analyst Comments:

Most Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) have senior members. The above scam-prevention information can be passed on to senior members or considered when interacting with members.

FBOs can consider posting the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Scam Alert fact sheet to educate members on how to protect themselves.

In March 2024, the SSA issued  Don’t Hand Off Cash to “Agents” Scam Alert.