Faith-Based Security Headlines
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.
FBI investigations of anti-Jewish hate crimes tripled after Oct. 7, director says
From the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports:
The number of FBI investigations into anti-Jewish hate crimes tripled in the months after Oct. 7, FBI director Christopher Wray told Jewish leaders on a call Wednesday.
Wray also warned that, amid the Israel-Iran conflict, Iranian proxies could attack targets on American soil.
“For just a few days after the Oct. 7 attack, we’d already seen a rapid uptick in threats to Jewish people in the United States,” Wray said a call with Jewish community security officials and lay leaders.
“We are not aware at this time of any direct known threat to the Jewish community or any of our institutions domestically,” he said.
Wray added the Iranian threat to others potentially targeting U.S. Jews, including “lone wolves,” violent individuals motivated by hate speech doctrines, and specific threats by foreign terrorist groups, including ISIS and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. He said the FBI is “increasingly concerned” about terror attacks following the recent attack by a branch of ISIS on a Russian concert hall.
He warned communities not to engage with protesters. “The best way to avoid a confrontation is not to enter one,” he said.
Analyst Comments:
Director Wray’s comments can help Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) evaluate the current threat environment and can possibly effect their security efforts.
The DHS Resources and Information for Faith and Community Leaders Regarding the Israel – Hamas Conflict provides numerous resources for Faith-Based Organizations, including CISA’s Protecting Houses of Worship Landing Page.
Additionally, Faith-Based ISAO’s website provides resources in the Resource Library, including information on Securing Facilities and People.
Developments after Assyrian Church Stabbing in Australia
The following articles cover the developing situation after the Assyrian church stabbing in Australia, which was highlighted in FB-ISAO’s 15 April 2024 Daily Awareness Post and 16 April 2024 Daily Awareness Post.
- Police say 51 officers injured in riot outside Sydney church where bishop was stabbed
- Sydney church stabbing: Police guard mosques amid attack fears
- Priest discharged as police make first arrest following terror attack and riots in Sydney
- Church attack bishop breaks his silence
- Gun-shy Australia, reeling from knife crime, weighs public security settings
Analyst comments:
The stabbing incident, with subsequent riots and threats to Muslims, shows how one incident can have a ripple effect in communities of faith. Faith-Based Organizations should consider monitoring news reports and social media for incidents that can affect their threat environment. The FB-ISAO Slack #dialy_awarenss channel is a good source of information in this regard.
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More Faith-Based Stories
Fire destroys New York synagogue and scrolls
IL: Antisemitic graffiti found on Lakeview school investigated as hate crime; 1 in custody, CPD says
IN: Pro-Palestine protesters vandalize pro-life display at Indiana school, students say: PHOTOS
CA Had Most Antisemitic Incidents In US Amid Nationwide Spike: Report
Anti-Defamation League reports record-high antisemitic incidents in Pacific Northwest
Oklahoma Man Arrested for Allegedly Throwing Pipe Bomb at Satanic Temple in Salem, Mass.
Verified neo-Nazi accounts flourishing on X, report says
Columbia University president defends efforts to combat antisemitism
New York church sued for gender bias picks male pastor again, continuing 200-year tradition
Catholic Charter School Draws Ire of Charter Advocates
CAIR Announces Settlement with Kentucky Jail Over Removal of Muslim Woman’s Hijab for Booking Photo
International House of Prayer Kansas City denies report it plans to close
Priest Shot During Sermon in Northern Myanmar
Hindu mob attacks Catholic school in southern India
Select All-Hazards Stories
Pro-Palestinian protests could foreshadow a summer of upheaval
Widespread 911 outages hit several states and Emergency services a likely target for cyberattacks, warns DHS
An ISIS Terror Group Draws Half Its Recruits From Tiny Tajikistan
Israeli airstrikes kill Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon
Nearly 50 nations condemn Iran’s attack on Israel, call for de-escalation
Google fires 28 employees involved in sit-in protest over $1.2B Israel contract
‘Let her speak!’ USC campus reels after valedictorian’s speech is canceled
Message For U.S. Citizens: 100 Days Until The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony (17 Apr 2024)
Severe Thunderstorms Likely Across the Ozarks and Lower Ohio Valley National Weather Service
2023: outbreaks of avian influenza
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread ‘through air
The Real-Time Deepfake Romance Scams Have Arrived
The many faces of impersonation fraud: Spot an imposter before it’s too late
Russian US election interference targets support for Ukraine after slow start
More Security-focused Content
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