Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 24 August 2026
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.
Faith-Based Hate Crime Prevention
Across the country, houses of worship (HOWs) continue to face disturbing acts of hate. Vandalism, violence, and targeted threats underscore the risks these communities face. In 2025, a self-described “Jew hater” was arrested in New York City for targeting Jewish individuals. A Church of Christ in South Dakota experienced its third hate-driven vandalism incident. In Pennsylvania, a governor’s residence was firebombed in an incident linked to antisemitic beliefs. These incidents highlight the importance of preparing for hate-motivated threats while maintaining a secure and welcoming environment.
The article discusses several measures HOWs can use to strengthen security and reduce vulnerabilities. These include access control systems, physical security measures, and security technology. Access control can help organizations manage who enters facilities and restrict access to sensitive areas. Physical security measures can include surveillance cameras, perimeter security, lighting, alarms, and sensors. The article also emphasizes the importance of awareness and engagement through “The Power of Hello.” This approach encourages individuals to remain “present, aware, and engaged” while interacting with people entering the facility. These measures can help HOWs identify suspicious activity and address potential threats before they escalate.
Analyst Comments: Security coalitions can further strengthen preparedness by helping HOWs share resources, training, and threat information. These partnerships can also connect organizations with law enforcement and other security professionals. HOW can also review CISA’s The Power of Hello guidance to improve awareness among staff and volunteers.
The Gate 15 Interview EP 73. The FBI’s Josh Obstfeld on Artificial Intelligence, Serving our Nation, and New York City!
The Gate 15 Interview is a monthly interview between Gate 15’s Founder and Managing Director, Andy Jabbour and guests from throughout the homeland security risk management community addressing a wide range of all-hazards topics and issues.
In this episode of The Gate 15 Interview, Andy Jabbour speaks with Joshua Obstfeld, FBI Counterintelligence Senior Executive for External Engagement.
In the podcast, Josh and Andy discuss:
- AI, threats and opportunities
- AI and cybercrime: from ransomware to insider threats, and the importance of the human element
- AI Swarms
- The Threats and Opportunities of Tomorrow
- The race for AI dominance
- Private Public Partnership
- Josh’s call to action
Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found at Podcasts (gate15.global).
More Faith-Based Stories
- Maine madman fired at Jewish summer camp basketball court, forced harrowing lockdown for kids in ‘antisemitic’ attack: docs
- FL: New York couple attacked in Surfside in alleged antisemitic assault, police say
- MI: Temple of Destiny Church targeted in back-to-back north St. Louis break-ins
- NM: Amarillo church fire ruled arson following attempted copper theft from HVAC unit
- OH: Fire destroys vacant Friendship Baptist Church in Cleveland
- Swastikas Found Near Northbrook, IL synagogue
- CAIR-LA, MPAC, Shura Council Condemn Anti-Muslim Rally Targeting Islamic Center of Southern California
- Canada: Toronto man charged after alleged break-in at synagogue
- Canada: Fact File: Anti-Muslim posts spread false claims about Quebec church fires
- Iran-linked hackers blamed for cyber-attack that shut down UK power plant
- Expired cards can be used for new transactions
- Flock CEO calls for ‘compromise’ as surveillance company faces growing backlash
- Mandatory caller ID is proving effective: Fraudulent calls made in the name of public authorities have fallen by over 75 per cent
- What the World’s Largest Drone Battlefield Is Teaching Us About Domestic Security
More Security-Focused Content
The FB-ISAO’s sponsor Gate 15 publishes a daily newsletter called the SUN. Curated from their open source intelligence collection process, the SUN informs leaders and analysts with the critical news of the day and provides a holistic look at the current global, all-hazards threat environment. Ahead of the daily news cycle, the SUN allows current situational awareness into the topics that will impact your organization.