Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 10 September 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. 

For many US Jews, High Holy Days will be a mix of anxiety and determination

As Jewish communities in the U.S. prepare for the High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, they are increasingly preoccupied with safety amid rising antisemitic incidents. Congregations are taking extra precautions: adding security personnel, collaborating with law enforcement, screening visitors, and sometimes rerouting entrances. The heightened vigilance is fueled by recent reports of assaults, vandalism of Jewish institutions, and alarming rhetoric, especially online. Many are also grappling with the tension between maintaining openness in worship and protecting congregants. Still, there is resolve: despite fears, community leaders emphasize that services and traditions must continue, underscoring spiritual renewal and unity during the holidays.

Analyst Comments: The report shows that Jewish congregations are entering one of the holiest times of the year with heightened anxiety due to rising antisemitism in the U.S. This mirrors patterns of faith-based institutions facing increased threats tied to social division and extremist rhetoric. The balancing act between maintain openness and ensuring security is a vulnerability that adversaries may exploit. Online antisemitic narrative has a real-world impact, fueling hostility and inspiring lone actors or small groups to target religious communities. HOWs looking to fortify security, whether during periods of heightened threat or for ongoing operations, are encouraged to review CISA’s Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities.

How to Prepare:

• Security Coordination
• Access Control
• Community training
• Intelligence Monitoring
• Communication Plans
• Resilience Messaging

Florida bill would allow armed volunteers to provide security at houses of worship

A proposed Florida bill titled “Security Services at Places of Worship,” would permit volunteers who satisfy certain conditions to provide armed security at religious venues without being licensed professionals. The measure, introduced by Senator Don Gaetz, aims to address rising concerns over mass shootings and antisemitic incidents. Under the bill, volunteers would have to pass a level 2 background check, hold a Florida concealed carry permit, receive approval for their security plan from the local sheriff’s office, and would not be compensated for their duties. The legislation has support from faith leaders who see it as giving congregations more options for protecting themselves. Others express concern about possible risk from insufficient training anda lack of adequate mental fitness., If passed, the law would go into effect on July 1^st, 2026.

Analyst Comments: The Florida bill reflects a growing trend of states exploring alternative security measures for faith-based institutions in response to persistent threats, including mass shootings and antisemitic attacks. Allowing vetted volunteers to provide armed protection could ease financial burdens for congregations that cannot afford private security, like for smaller or rural HOWs. However, it also introduces possible risks: volunteers may lack the professional training, decision-making under pressure, and liability coverage that licensed security or law enforcement bring. While the background check and sheriff’s approval requirements are safeguards, the success of such a program will depend on rigorous oversight, clear operational guidelines, and ongoing training. FB-ISAO has worked with members to compile resources and best practices related to standing up security teams, which may be useful for HOWs ready to reach the next level of security maturity. 

Atlantic heating up: Major Hurricane Gabrielle, 2 more areas being watched

Hurricane Gabrielle has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 major hurricane as it moves near Bermuda, overcoming previous dry air and wind shear. It currently has sustained winds of about 120 mph and is located roughly 195 miles southeast of Bermuda. Gabrielle is forecast to possibly strengthen to Category 4 before environmental factors like cooler sea surface temperatures and increase wind shear start to weaken. The storm is expected to curve northward under steering winds and a weakness in the Bermuda high, keeping its center clear of the U.S. East Coast. However, the U.S. is likely to feel indirect effects: large surf, rough seas, and dangerous rip currents along Atlantic-facing beaches. Besides Gabrielle, meteorologists are watching two other tropical waves in the Atlantic basin with potential to develop into stronger systems as they move northwest.

Analyst Comments: Hurricane Gabrielle’s rapid intensification into a major hurricane highlights how quickly storms can strengthen under favorable conditions, reinforcing the challenge of forecasting and preparation. While current tracks keep Gabrielle offshore and away from direct U.S. landfall, the storm still poses risks from indirect impacts such as high surf, rip currents, and hazardous marine conditions along the East Coast. The presence of two additional tropical waves being monitored shows that the Atlantic basin remains active, with multiple systems capable of developing during peak hurricane season. Emergency planners and costal communities should remain alert, as the trajectory of new storms can shift quickly.