JCRC Security and Emergency Preparedness Blog

NYPD Pre-Passover Intelligence Analysis

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Mitchell D. Silber (Director, Intelligence Analysis, NYPD Intelligence Division) reviewed recent New York-based plots by Al Qaeda-inspired and self-radicalized individuals, such as the May 2011 plot by Ahmed Ferhani and Mohamed Mamdouh to detonate bombs at Manhattan synagogues and the case of Jose Pimentel, AKA Muhammad Yusuf, who was arrested last November as he constructed bombs that he intended to use against post offices and police cars in New York. Silber also discussed the roles of Hezbollah and Iran in attacks on Israeli targets overseas and provided information about a plot last month targeting synagogues in Milan, and the recent attack on a Jewish school in Toulouse, France in which four were killed.. View his presentation here.

NYPD Holds Annual Pre-Passover Briefing

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Officials Review Recent Threats Including Shooting Attack in Toulouse, France and Implications for New York City During Meeting with Jewish Community Leaders

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly presided Tuesday over the New York City Police Department’s pre-Passover briefing, an annual conference at which religious and community leaders are provided information on the current threat environment and implications for New York City during the upcoming religious holiday. Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass, chief chaplain of the NYPD, opened the program and was recognized for celebrating 50 years of service this month. Rabbi Kass is the longest-serving chaplain in the history of the Police Department.

NYPD Director of Intelligence Analysis Mitchell Silber said detectives were looking into the origins of an Internet posting discovered Monday, in which a composite image of New York City's skyline, landmarks and One Police Plaza - NYPD headquarters - served as background for the message, "Al Qaeda Coming Soon Again in New York," a post NYPD cyber intelligence specialists are analyzing, although no connection to an operational plot has been established.

He also reviewed recent New York-based plots by Al Qaeda-inspired and self-radicalized individuals, such as the May 2011 plot by Ahmed Ferhani and Mohamed Mamdouh to detonate bombs at Manhattan synagogues and the case of Jose Pimentel, AKA Muhammad Yusuf, who was arrested last November as he constructed bombs that he intended to use against post offices and police cars in New York. Silber also discussed the roles of Hezbollah and Iran in attacks on Israeli targets overseas and provided information about a plot last month targeting synagogues in Milan, and the recent attack on a Jewish school in Toulouse, France in which four were killed.

After the shootings in Toulouse, the Police Department increased security outside houses of worship and other Jewish sites in New York City. Commissioner Kelly said that the Department sent its intelligence liaison in Paris to Toulouse, to gather first-hand information about the attack.

“Among other things, he’s learned that the shooter, Mohamed Merah, initially intended to strike a different target, but had considered the school as a target and conducted surveillance there,” Commissioner Kelly said. “While we know of no similar threat to the City at this time, such attacks are certainly not outside the realm of possibility.

“Lone wolves are extremely difficult to detect. That’s why it is essential that the Police Department continue to invest resources in gathering intelligence, which is the only effective way to stop this kind of plot.”

The NYPD will deploy additional resources including “Hercules” patrols by heavily armed officers to synagogues, Jewish neighborhoods and other potentially sensitive locations during the religious holiday. It similarly increases security around mosques and in Muslim communities during Ramadan each year.

April 16th deadline for NY Nonprofit Security Grant submissions approaching

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:27:00 +0000

New York organizations wishing to apply for nonprofit security grants have just two weeks to submit their applications, which are due by 11:59 PM on April 16, 2012. The package must be submitted via the NY Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services E-Grant system.

For more information, links to forms and tips; visit www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants.

Gillibrand calls on feds to boost anti-terror funding for religious nonprofits

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:48:00 +0000

Senator Urges Greater Federal Investment to Provide Synagogues, Churches, Community Centers with Additional Resources to Protect Against the Threat of Terrorist Attacks

After a recent terror attack that took the lives of three young children, a rabbi, and three French soldiers at a Jewish school, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today called on the federal government to boost anti-terror funding to help safeguard civil, religious and community institutions. Senator Gillibrand urged Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee leaders to designate at least $19 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) non-profit program in next year’s budget, up from this year’s $10 million funding.

Senator Gillibrand wrote in a letter to Senate leaders of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, “The horrific attack against a Jewish school in France last week is a stark reminder of the threats that such organizations continue to face here in the United States. In my own state of New York, there have been instances of attempted terror plots against Synagogues and Jewish organizations… The FY2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act did not include a designated funding level for nonprofit security grants, and Congress must ensure that this grant program is well funded. Therefore, I strongly urge you to restore this funding to at least the Fiscal Year 2010 level of $19 million.”

Last week, French security forces killed an Islamist extremist who murdered seven people at a synagogue in France. Authorities said 23 year-old Mohamed Merah claimed to have received training from al Qaeda.

New York City remains a top terrorist target, with NYPD on alert immediately after the French tragedy. Over the past several years, there have been instances of attempted terror plots against New York City’s synagogues and Jewish organizations. Recent reports also revealed that Iranians with links to the Iranian regime have conducted surveillance of New York City landmarks since 2005.

Senator Gillibrand has long fought for anti-terror funding to protect New York’s non-profit and religious institutions. In 2009, Senator Gillibrand secured an additional $4 million in federal anti-terror funding to help safeguard civil, religious and community institutions from terrorist attacks in the FY2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, for a total of $19 million in federal resources, funding that was continued in FY2011.

Click here for the full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter.

NYPD analysis and response to Toulouse attack

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:59:00 +0000

NYPD response
Although there is no known specific threat against New York City, the NYPD has taken the precaution of stepping up coverage of Jewish neighborhoods and institutions in the city, including special attention by the NYPD Patrol Bureau to synagogues, and the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau’s assignment of the Critical Response Vehicles to Jewish institutions and neighborhoods.

Details of today's incident
At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 19, an individual riding a black scooter pulled up in front of the Ozar Hatorah School in the Jolimont area of north-east Toulouse and opened fire on an area that serves as the drop-off point for nursery- and primary-age children. A 30-year-old religious studies teacher from the school and his two sons aged three and six were killed, along with the 10-year-old daughter of the director of the school. A 17-year-old boy was left in critical condition (see the full report here).

Previous events
French officials have announced that, in addition to using a 9mm handgun, the perpetrator also used a .45 caliber handgun that has been connected to two separate attacks on French paratroopers in Toulouse and nearby Montauban on March 11 and March 15, respectively. In the March 11 attack, a lone gunman riding a “motorcycle” and wearing a helmet fatally shot a 30-year-old French paratrooper near a gymnasium. In the March 15 attack, a lone gunman on a “motorbike” opened fire on three French paratroopers who were using an automated bank machine, killing two and wounding one.Initial autopsy reports indicated that the two soldiers who were killed were shot in the head in a barrage of 13 shots, some of which were fired at point-blank range. All three soldiers were of North African and Caribbean descent, possibly suggesting the shootings were racially motivated. An alternative theory, however, holds that because the soldiers were in uniform at the time of the shooting, they were selected because they were viewed as symbols of the French military presence in Afghanistan.

Implications for New York City
Two-wheeled motorized vehicles have been used in recent attacks against Israeli diplomatic targets in New Delhi, India and Tbilisi, Georgia. Active shooters firing from two-wheeled motorized vehicles are ideal tactics for urban terrorist attacks because the vehicles’ speed and maneuverability in congested urban areas offer the gunmen effective means of escape.

NYPD response to NY Times editorial

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:47:00 +0000

New York Times is Wrong: NYPD Lawfully Thwarts Terror

& Suppresses Violence

The New York Times is wrong in claiming in an editorial that the NYPD overstepped constitutional guarantees in protecting New Yorkers from violent crime and terrorism. The Times continues to ignore the fact that the NYPD operates under a judicial federal accord in protecting New Yorkers against terrorism.

The Police Department also lawfully stops and questions individuals acting suspiciously and, in doing so, has dramatically reduced murders in the city's most violent-prone neighborhoods.

HANDSCHU DECREE
In intelligence gathering, the NYPD adheres to set of federal guidelines known as the Handschu consent decree, which were approved and promulgated by a federal judge.
The guidelines recognize that the NYPD must be proactive in the investigation of terrorism. They begin with the statement of a general principle which says:
“In its effort to anticipate or prevent unlawful activity, including terrorist acts, the NYPD must, at times, initiate investigations in advance of unlawful conduct.

“The NYPD is authorized to visit any place and attend any event that is open to the public” and “to conduct online search activity and to access online sites and forums on the same terms… as members of the public.”

The Department is further authorized to “prepare general reports and assessments… for purposes of strategic or operational planning.”

Those who intimate that it is unlawful for the Police Department to search online or map neighborhoods have either not read, misunderstood, or intentionally obfuscated the meaning of the Handschu guidelines.

TERRORISTS KEEP TRYING
Before 9/11, there were terrorist attacks in each of the decades of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, including the first attack on the World Trade Center. There have been no successful attacks in the past ten years. It’s not as if would-be terrorists aren’t trying. To the contrary, they’ve attempted to kill New Yorkers in 14 different plots, among them, two homegrown plots in 2011.

In May, the NYPD arrested Ahmed Ferhani and Mohammed Mamdouh, after Ferhani purchased firearms, ammunition, and a hand grenade from an undercover officer. Ferhani said he wanted to bomb a synagogue in Manhattan. Ferhani and Mamdouh are now in custody charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism and other crimes.
In November, the NYPD stopped another homegrown plot with the arrest of Jose Pimentel at his home in Washington Heights. Pimentel had spoken openly of his plans to attack post offices, police vehicles, and returning soldiers.

An NYPD undercover officer, working the JTTF in New Jersey was also responsible
For the arrest of two Jersey residents who tried to join terrorist overseas for training with the intent, in the words of one of them, to return to the US to "commit Jihad" here.

STOP, QUESTION, FRISK
NYPD critics also erroneously assert that the police are racially biased in making stops, ignoring the fact that we focus police resources where spikes in violent crime are the highest, and where last year 96% of shooting victims were minorities, mainly young men of color.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
NYPD tactics made a difference. Last year, murders in Brooklyn North fell by 16%. That’s almost four times the citywide rate of decline. Among African-American men between the ages of 16 and 37 in neighborhoods where NYPD/ Church Coalition churches are located the decrease was even more dramatic: 33%.

NYPD DIVERSITY
The critics also ignore the NYPD's own diversity. In 2006, for the first time in our history, the rank of police officer became majority minority, with more black, Hispanic, and Asian officers than white. In December we graduated a Police Academy class of almost 1,600 officers. They came from 58 different countries and speak 62 languages. In January, we hired an equally diverse class of 900 recruits.

Remarks by Police Commissioner Kelly to Fordham Law School Alumni

Terror attack at school in France

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:24:00 +0000

Jerusalem Post: Gunman opens fire outside Ozar Hatorah school before fleeing the scene on scooter; teacher and two of his children among dead, several wounded; Jewish official: This was an anti-Semitic attack.

JTA: A man riding a motorbike reportedly opened fire outside the Ozar Hatorah School, where students were waiting to enter the building at the start of the school day. The shooter then entered the building shooting at students and teachers. He then fled on his motorbike.

Haaretz: French prosecutor Michel Valet said Monday that those killed were a 30-year-old man and his 3-year-old and 6-year-old sons. He said another child, between 8 and 10 years old, was also killed, and a 17-year-old seriously wounded.

See also Jerusalem Post: "... a coalition of jihadist organizations have made a decision to attack Israeli and Jewish targets wherever they may be without distinction. "They attack whoever they can and wherever security is lax".

Initial recommendations. Reports are that the gunman opened fire on students outside the school as they began their school day and then entered the school. Students and staff are especially vulnerable during arrivals and dismissals. Try to make sure that students go to a safe area as quickly as possible.

Access control. Until we know more, schools should consider asking students and staff to come inside the building rather than assembling outside. Our standard recommendation that no unauthorized person should be allowed to enter a Jewish institution (see our sample access control procedures here).
Secure doors. Many organizations are thinking about their Nonprofit Security Grant applications. This tragic attack reminds us about the importance of high impact doors that can withstand an attack from a determined intruder.
Lockdowns. Do you have a plan to "lockdown" your building and its occupants to keep them safe in the event on an active shooter? See the NYPD Active Shooter Guide here and a U.S. Department of Homeland Security training here.
Security awareness. Although there is no indication of any threat here in New York, it is a time for heightened awareness. Trust your instincts. If you see something...say something. Terrorist acts and other attacks are often preceded by active surveillance of a target location; learn how to detect hostile surveillance before an incident occurs. See tips from our partners at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

For more information visit www.jcrcny.org/securityresources.

Training: Learn how to do your own risk assessment

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:05:00 +0000

Organizations wishing to do their own risk assessment for their Nonprofit Security Grant Program application should consider attending this workshop. It is good knowledge to have.

Training – Enhanced Threat and Risk Assessment Course for Faith Based Organizations – March 22-23, 2012

On March 22 and 23 (9 AM – 5 PM) at the NYC Office of Emergency Management (165 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn), the NYC Office of Emergency Management will be hosting a workshop on Enhanced Threat and Risk Assessment Course for Faith Based Organizations. This workshop will provide attendees with the skills necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the critical vulnerabilities on their facilities and develop an action plan to prevent, reduce, and/or mitigate the potential damage from a terrorism incident. At the end of this course participants will be able to conduct a hands‐on assessment of a facility using the techniques learned in this class and produce a written report outlining the vulnerabilities of that facility. The intended audience are members of faith based organizations charged with security for their facilities. Please feel free to contact Training@oem.nyc.gov with any questions or comments. To register, visit here.

Security Grant Package Released-Due April 16

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:01:00 +0000

The FY 2012 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) has been posted on the DHSES website and is ready for immediate action by interested eligible nonprofits. A maximum of up to $75,000 in grant funds can be applied for. The RFA and other required documents can be found at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/grants/rfa-uasi-nsgp.cfm .

The due date for applications is 11:59 PM on April 16, 2012. Any applications received after that date and time will not be considered.

Please note that only eligible nonprofits from the NYC UASI region (includes New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester) may apply.

NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
1220 Washington Avenue
State Office Campus, Bldg. 7A
Albany, NY 12242
grants@dhses.ny.gov
1-866-837-9133

Nonprofit security grants: details and training

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:13:00 +0000

New York Nonprofit Homeland Security Grant application will be available next week and due mid-April 2012
Grant workshops & webinar scheduled for Monday, March 12, 2012

Nonprofit Security Grant Application Workshop
Monday, March 12, 2012

Join us in person in Manhattan or Westchester or via a live webinar of the workshop on your desktop computer (you will need a highspeed internet connection and speakers or earphones).

Manhattan: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 130 East 59th Street@Lexington Ave.
Westchester: 7:30-8:30 PM, Scarsdale Synagogues-Temples Tremont and Emanu-El, 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale
Webinar (Sign-on instructions will be sent as reservations are received).

Note: Reservations are a must. Click here to reserve.

For further information call David Pollock at the JCRC-NY at (212) 983-4800, ext. 132 or email him here.
We would like to thank our colleagues at the New York State Office of Homeland Security and all those involved with the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) for helping us provide this important webinar.

Overview: Nonprofit Security Grant Program FY 2012

There have been minimal changes from last year. The basics follow:

Grant amounts. Approximately 150 nonprofit organizations nationally will share the $10,000,000 allocated to this grant. Eligible applicants will be able to apply for up to $75,000 to bolster their physical security and conduct preparedness training. There is no match requirement this year.

Eligibility. Applicants must be tax exempt organizations (under IRS Section 501(c)(3)) located in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk or Westchester. Unless a New York nonprofit is located within these jurisdictions it is not eligible to apply. Those located outside New York should click here to check whether they are in an eligible jurisdiction.

Equipment. The grant funds two categories of security equipment and activities: Physical Security Enhancement Equipment; and/or Inspection and Screening Systems. Any improvements requested under this program must fall within one of these equipment categories. A more detailed list can be found here.

Training. Nonprofit organization personnel may only use FY 2012 NSGP funds to attend security-related training courses and programs within the United States. Allowable training topics are limited to the protection of critical infrastructure key resources, including physical and cyber security, target hardening, and terrorism awareness/employee preparedness. Training conducted using FY 2012 NSGP funds must address a specific threat and/or vulnerability, as identified in the nonprofit’s Investment Justification.

Previous grantees/new applicants. Organizations that received grants in previous years are eligible to apply again for a FY 2012 award. However, new applicants receive a bonus point on their ranking score.

Investment Justification. The key element of the application is the Investment Justification (IJ) which can be viewed here. Applicants are required to submit their answers via an Excel spreadsheet (available when the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services releases its Request for Applications). The questions and requirements are substantially the same as in past years.

Ongoing guidance. Remember, check out the JCRC-NY's Security Grant Website often for suggestions on how to start collecting information (e.g., your vulnerability assessment, DUNS number, etc.) even before the application is released.
For further information. The Security Grant Website has a wealth of information and tips. Please check it first. If you need further information, call David Pollock at the JCRC-NY at (212) 983-4800, ext. 132 or email him here.

Caution. If you choose to download the DHS guidance here, be prepared to be confused. The "Grantee" referred to in the guidance is New York State. Our SAA is the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NY DHSES). Nonprofit organizations will have to submit applications to the NY DHSES to be evaluated, prioritized and forwarded to Washington.

Kudos to the movers and shakers. The fact that there is a FY2012 program is due to the ongoing work and incredible professionalism of a coalition, led by the Jewish Federations of North America/JFNA and its Senior Director, Legislative Affairs, Rob Goldberg (with JCRC-NY and UJA-Federation playing active roles). The JFNA Washington Office, directed by William Daroff, is the lynchpin in this process and deserves our collective thanks.

We owe a special debt of gratitude to those dedicated public servants who actually administer the grants and answer our questions, especially Shelley Wahrlich, Steve Tierney and Valerie Bloomer. This program could not be successful without their dedication, patience and expertise.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program 2012 announced

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:17:00 +0000

On February 17th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its guidance for a number of preparedness grant programs, including the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Program Overview and Priorities
The FY 2012 NSGP provides $10,000,000 in funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and located within one of the specific UASI-eligible Urban Areas. While this funding is provided specifically to high-risk nonprofit organizations under The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, Division D (Public Law 112-74), the program seeks to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader State and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as State and local government agencies.

JCRC comments: Congress cut the allocations of many DHS grant programs this year and the NSGP was cut from $19 million to $10 million (i.e., below the average cut). That translates to approximately 150 successful grantees nationwide. New York generally receives between 25-30% of the grants. New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties are in a UASI-eligible Urban Area; as is Newark, NJ.

In FY 2012, the total amount of funds distributed under this grant program will be $10,000,000. Each nonprofit organization must apply through their SAA (in New York, the New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services [DHSES])for up to a $75,000 grant award. The FY 2012 NSGP funds will be allocated to organizations characterized as “Section 501(c)(3)” organizations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.) and deemed at high risk by the Secretary of DHS. Such nonprofit organizations must be located within one of the designated FY 2012 UASI-eligible Urban Areas.

JCRC comments: The maximum grant amount and the geographic eligibility remain the same as last year. Organizations not having received prior years’ NSGP funding will receive a bonus point during scoring.

Approximate timing
DHSES has not yet determined the exact dates. Their guidance is likely to be released during the first week of March and be due mid-April. Start now, there is no reason to wait.

What should you be doing now?
The JCRC is in the process of updating our guidance materials based on the new grant materials at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants, but the changes seem to be minor. The most important components continue to be:

"Findings from previously conducted risk assessments including threat or vulnerability"; and
"Identification and substantiation (e.g., police reports or insurance claims) of prior threats or attacks against the nonprofit organization or closely related organizations (within or outside the U.S.) by a terrorist organization, network, or cell."

Make sure that your vulnerability assessment is up to date. Get more information about vulnerability assessments from www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants.

We will schedule trainings and webinars. For further information contact David Pollock here. and the Jewish Federations of North America at: www.jewishfederations.org/homelandsecurity.

The links at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants are customized for the 2011 grant, but there seem to be only minor changes this year. Check back often for updates.

Kudos to the movers and shakers. The fact that there is a FY2012 program is due to the ongoing work and incredible professionalism of a coalition, led by The Jewish Federations of North America/JFNA (with JCRC and UJA-Federation playing active roles) and its Senior Director, Legislative Affairs, Rob Goldberg. The JFNA Washington Office, directed by William Daroff, is the lynchpin in this process and deserves our collective thanks.

We owe a special debt of gratitude to those dedicated public servants who actually administer the grants and answer our questions, especially Shelley Wahrlich, Steve Tierney and Valerie Bloomer. This program could not be successful without their dedication, patience and expertise.

Mitchell Silber: The Iranian Threat to New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:23:00 +0000

In The Wall Street Journal, Mitchell Silber, director of intelligence analysis for the NYPD, writes that as the conflict with Iran over its nuclear program heats up, New York City—with its large Jewish population—becomes an increasingly attractive target.

Jewish Week articles re Jewish security

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:21:00 +0000

The Case For Ray Kelly:Tuesday, February 7, 2012 | Alan S. Jaffe, Michael S. Miller and David M. Pollock
‘Soft’ Target Threat Gets Community’s Attention: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 | Adam Dickter | Assistant Managing Editor

Worrying about Iran

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:40:00 +0000

For years, intelligence sources have concluded that a confrontation over Iran's nuclear program could have spillback here in New York City. The 1994 bombing of the AMIA building in Buenos Aires shows that Iranian intelligence operatives and Hezbollah terrorists have no compunctions about killing Jews. Last summer's interrupted plot to kill the Saudi Ambassador in Washington, DC indicates that Iran's Revolutionary Guards are willing to commission terrorist acts on U.S. soil. Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened the state of Israel during a weekly sermon in Tehran on Friday. "We have intervened in anti-Israel matters, and it brought victory in the 33-day war by Hezbollah against Israel in 2006, and in the 22-day war...From now on, in any place, if any nation or any group confronts the Zionist regime, we will endorse and we will help...[Israel is a] cancerous tumor that should be cut and will be cut."

While there is no specific threat against the New York Jewish community, the NYPD increased its coverage of Israeli and high-profile Jewish targets on Friday, deploying its Atlas and Sampson units. Consider the following recommendations:

The JCRC recommends that Jewish groups should review their security operations, paying particular attention to access control and detecting hostile surveillance. For more tips, see the JCRC Security Resources page at: www.jcrcny.org/securityresources. Remember, if you see something, say something. Call 1-877-NYCSAFE.
While the details are currently being negotiated, it is likely that there will be a Nonprofit Security Grant Program for the coming year. The DHS guidance should be released on or about February 23rd. Applicants may not have much time to apply. Therefore review the grant requirements from last year at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants. The most important recommendation is to update your vulnerability assessment. Learn about vulnerability assessments here.

Prospects for NSGP 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Will there be a Nonprofit Security Grant Program in 2012?
On December 23rd, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Bill for FY2012, including funding for Homeland Security. The bill contained contained changes to the 12 current Homeland Security State and Local Grant Programs.

For the first time, Congress included the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), as a stand alone program, one of the 12 that is no longer attached to the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). UASI is a program with geographic limitations that may no longer apply to NSGP in FY2012.

The changes give the Secretary of Homeland Security new discretionary authority to determine both the allocations to be dispersed among the 12 grant programs (virtually all of the state and local funding distributed by DHS), and, for NSGP, the geographic areas for inclusion (Last year NSGP applicants were required to be located in a Tier 1 UASI. Congress gave the Secretary discretion to define the areas or to require no area at all).
Total funding for the 12 grant programs was provided this year as a single allocation, at a significantly reduced amount (a cut near $860 million or 43%). The Secretary will determine how the allocation will be split among the grant programs.

By law, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the grant programs, must publish its grant guidance for these programs on or about February 23rd. The reforms of the DHS grant programs raise questions about the future direction of the NSGP. In advance of this guidance, the Washington Office of JFNA will be meeting with senior officials at the Department of Homeland Security to advocate for a strong NSGP program. All of us owe the Washington Office of JFNA our deepest gratitude.

JCRC-NY guidance
Once the guidelines are published at the end of February, JCRC-NY will update our guidance materials based on the new grant materials and schedule tranings. For further information contact David Pollock at pollockd@jcrcny.org. You may obtain guidance from the JCRC at www.jcrcny.org/securitygrants and the Jewish Federations of North America at: www.jewishfederations.org/homelandsecurity.

White supremacist may pose a threat

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:47:00 +0000

UPDATE: December 29. Danny Warner was arrested by local police in Lake Havasu, Arizona without incident. He is being charged with being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, and there are additional charges expected.

A known White supremacist might pose a security threat to Jews or Jewish institutions, probably in the South. He is considered armed and dangerous.

While the available information indicates that he intends to head to the South, it is worthwhile to review your security procedures, especially those dealing with access control and hostile surveillance. See the JCRC resources available at www.jcrcny.org/securityresources.

The ADL bulletin below has some excellent suggestions in their alert.

Anti-Defamation League
SECURITY ALERT

December 28, 2011

We wanted to alert you to a potential security threat involving Danny Lee Warner, Jr., a white supremacist. In a letter allegedly sent by Danny to his wife last week, he told her, “I’m headed down South to kill some niggers and Jews until the government gets me- hopefully I’ll get enough to make it all worth it before I go.” Warner has a long history of serious violence and spent most of the last decade in prison in Utah. While in prison, he was active in the Silent Aryan Warriors (SAW), a white supremacist prison gang.

He was last known to be in Chippewa Falls, WI, where he located after being released from prison. The letter to his wife was postmarked on 12/19/11 from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His current whereabouts are unknown. Possible states of destination include: IA, NJ, NY, MT & UT.

He is believed to potentially be armed and driving a red 2002 GMC Envoy, WI license plate #364TFL. He was born 11/29/1974. His description is as follows: Male, Caucasian, 6’2’’, 190 lbs, brown hair, hazel eyes, tattoos. Aliases may include: Tyrsegil Bloodketil, Danny Jay Potter, Danny Peterson, or Jody White. He may use the prison gang moniker of Tombstone or Swift.

He is currently wanted in Wisconsin on probation violation.

Each communal institution should review its security plans and procedures in light of this situation. Each institution should consider having a plan in place for responding if this person shows up at the institution. Moreover, each institution should consider reaching out to their local law enforcement contacts to discuss this matter.

If he visits your institution, contact law enforcement immediately, and then ADL.

As always, we recommend using this as an opportunity to review your security policies and procedures and encourage you to do the following:

Keep your eyes and ears open for anything unusual or suspicious and call law enforcement immediately if you come across something. Unusual behavior should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel.
Consider not letting anybody you don’t know into your facility, and not allowing any new visitor to your facility roam around unescorted.
Ensure that your staff members, including newly hired personnel, know what to do in the event of an emergency, and that they know your policy on when to allow persons to enter the facility.
Make sure to use the security devices you have in place and that access controls are being used properly. For example, ensure that communications equipment (for instance, walkie-talkies) and video cameras are working and properly used.
Review and practice security procedures. In particular, review with all personnel their role in security. For instance, if vigilance has slipped in mail and package delivery safety procedures, now is the time to revisit this area.
Renew/establish relationships with local law enforcement and discuss security. It has been our experience that local jurisdictions are working very hard to maintain close relationships with their Jewish institutions. If you have not established personal relationships with key police personnel, set up a meeting to do so.
Trust your instincts. If something strikes you as being out of place or problematic, call the police immediately.

Security is a long-term process that cannot be efficiently or effectively deployed only when there is an alert. It is important to review security procedures on a regular basis and to be thinking of ways to improve security.

ADL’s security manual – Protecting Your Jewish Institution– and your local ADL regional office are important resources in your security planning. ADL’s security website is www.adl.org/security.

Traveling with Personal Internet-Enabled Devices

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:18:00 +0000

National Cyber Alert System

Cyber Security Tip ST11-001

Holiday Traveling with Personal Internet-Enabled Devices

The internet is at our fingertips with the widespread use of internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets. When traveling and shopping anytime, and especially during the holidays, consider the wireless network you are using when you complete transactions on your internet-enabled device.

Know the risks

Your smart phone, tablet, or other internet-enabled device is a full-fledged computer. It is susceptible to risks inherent in online transactions. When shopping, banking, or sharing personal information online, take the same precautions with your smart phone or other internet-enabled device that you do with your personal computer — and then some. The mobile nature of these devices means that you should also take precautions for the physical security of your device (see Protecting Portable Devices: Physical Security for more information) and consider the way you are accessing the internet.

Do not use public Wi-Fi networks

Avoid using open Wi-Fi networks to conduct personal business, bank, or shop online. Open Wi-Fi networks at places such as airports, coffee shops, and other public locations present an opportunity for attackers to intercept sensitive information that you would provide to complete an online transaction.
If you simply must check your bank balance or make an online purchase while you are traveling, turn off your device's Wi-Fi connection and use your mobile device's cellular data internet connection instead of making the transaction over an unsecure Wi-Fi network.

Turn off Bluetooth when not in use

Bluetooth-enabled accessories can be helpful, such as earpieces for hands-free talking and external keyboards for ease of typing. When these devices are not in use, turn off the Bluetooth setting on your phone. Cyber criminals have the capability to pair with your phone's open Bluetooth connection when you are not using it and steal personal information.

Be cautious when charging

Avoid connecting your mobile device to any computer or charging station that you do not control, such as a charging station at an airport terminal or a shared computer at a library. Connecting a mobile device to a computer using a USB cable can allow software running on that computer to interact with the phone in ways that a user may not anticipate. As a result, a malicious computer could gain access to your sensitive data or install new software. Don't Fall Victim to Phishing Scams If you are in the shopping mode, an email that appears to be from a legitimate retailer might be difficult to resist. If the deal looks too good to be true, or the link in the email or attachment to the text seems suspicious, do not click on it!

What to do if your accounts are compromised

If you notice that one of your online accounts has been hacked, call the bank, store, or credit card company that owns your account. Reporting fraud in a timely manner helps minimize the impact and lessens your personal liability. You should also change your account passwords for any online services associated with your mobile device using a different computer that you control. If you are the victim of identity theft, additional information is available from http://www.idtheft.gov/.
For even more information about keeping your devices safe, read Cybersecurity for Electronic Devices.
Produced in 2011 by US-CERT, a government organization. US-CERT is part of the Department of Homeland SecurityTerms of use

Another parcel bomb in Europe

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:59:00 +0000

The reports of a second parcel bomb in Europe raises obvious concerns. Organizations should be reviewing their mail handling procedures. See the links on the previous blog posting or at the JCRC Security Resources page.

Explosive Device Sent to Bank CEO

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:59:00 +0000

The NYPD confirmed that a mail (package) explosive device was addressed and sent to CEO, Dr. Joseph Ackermann of Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, Germany. The package was detected by x-ray technology inside the mail room. The package did not detonate.

An investigation is ongoing.We suggest that you review our previous posts:Rethinking mail screening and More tips for package screening. You can also download Guidelines for Suspicious Mail or Packages, Informational Bulletin on Suspicious Envelopes and Suspicious Package indicators.

The NYPD SHIELD unit advises that all mail room employees become aware of this information and pay special attention to incoming deliveries.

Safety and Survival in Protests & Civil Unrest:

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:41:00 +0000

Since the political protests, now known as the "Arab Spring" grabbed headlines around the world, XBRM has been increasingly called upon by business leaders and public officials to provide insight into human behavior in group, crowd and mob situations, and help develop effective strategies to reduce the risks and address safety concerns associated with protests and acts of civil unrest. As the "American Autumn" has become defined by the various "Occupy" movements in cities across the country, these largely peaceful protests have been punctuated by increasingly aggressive behavior, and in one instance in Oakland, a violent death.

See the guidance from XBRM here.

Hate crime reports released

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:29:00 +0000

2010 FBI Report Released/ADL studies

Intimidation…vandalism…assault…rape…murder. These are crimes by anyone’s definition. But add an element of bias against the victims—because of their race or religion, for example—and these traditional crimes become hate crimes. And based on data from the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics report for 2010, the 6,628 hate crime incidents reported to us by our law enforcement partners stayed consistent with the 6,604 incidents reported in 2009.

The ADL Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents cataloged 1,239 examples of assaults, vandalism and harrassment in 2010. Its 2011 Survey of American Attitudes Toward Jews in America found that anti-Semitic attitudes are rising in the US.

Shocking arson in Flatbush

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:20:00 +0000

Statement of

Michael S. Miller

Executive Vice President and CEO

We were shocked to learn of the horrific arson of cars -- with accompanying anti-Semitic messages -- on Ocean Parkway in Flatbush. We are gratified that the precinct and the Hate Crimes Task Force are investigating and are confident that the NYPD will follow the evidence wherever it leads.

The track record of the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force was further enhanced today as they arrested a suspect accused of defacing two Queens libraries, a synagogue and a church. We congratulate them on their success. Anyone contemplating a hate crime in New York City should think twice when the Hate Crimes Task Force is on the case.

Airport x-rays, new technology

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +0000

The JCRC was invited by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) to join a group of religious leaders to critique the implementation of the airport passenger screening process. Leaders of many faiths expressed concerns regarding modesty and safety. Today, TSA officials reached out to us to update us on pertinent developments.See the TSA "readout" here.

The TSA is in the process of introducing new Advanced Imaging Technology which will substantially address the questions of modesty. Any potential threat items that are detected are detected by an automated system and indicated on a generic outline of a person (rather than the passenger's body). If no potential threat items are detected, an "OK" appears on the monitor with no outline.(See the illustrations below.)

Click here to can get more information on the new system. Deployment of the new technology is not yet scheduled for the major NYC area (see the current list here), but the TSA plans to eventually install it everywhere.

The backscatter technology used in the system was evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). All reported that it is safe and meets national health and safety standards. Click here to read more and download the evaluations.

They also informed us of new Risk-Based Security and Pre-Check pilot programs which will allow passengers to voluntarily provide more information about themselves, so that the TSA can better segment the population in terms of risk and provide expedited screening for "trusted travelers". See more information here.

On Nov. 9th remember: it's only a test

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:48:00 +0000

FEMA wants everyone to know about the upcoming, nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test on Wednesday, November 9th at 2PM.All broadcast stations are scheduled to participate. Although the EAS is frequently used by State and local governments to send weather alerts and other emergency information, there has never been a national activation of the system. The purpose of the November 9, 2011 test is to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system.

Click here for more information from FEMA. Please share this message with your communities and through your social networks.

Sukkoth+wind swept heavy rains=flying debris

noreply@blogger.com (Jewish Community Relations Council of New York) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:36:00 +0000

The National Weather Service predicts 1-1.5 inches of rain will fall today with winds from 15-20 mph, accompanied by gusts to 30 mph along the coast. Stronger wind is expected Thursday as the system exits the area.

The New York City Office of Emergency Management notes that there is a risk that Sukkoth may be compromised. Individuals and organizations to take the needed steps to secure outdoor objects, including Sukkoth that could blow away and cause damage or injury.