NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 9, 1999 – With safety issues taking on new urgency after several recent violent anti-Semitic incidents, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has produced a video for Jewish communal organizations to guide them in implementing effective security measures and to raise awareness of potential threats. ADL created Security Awareness for Community Institutions in cooperation with Kroll Associates – the world’s foremost corporate security, business intelligence and risk consulting firm – for distribution to Jewish communal institutions nationwide. ADL’s Security Handbook, which has been well regarded over the years as a definitive security-planning resource, is available as a companion piece.

"The Anti-Defamation League has long provided guidance on how best to provide security through practical measures and heightened awareness without turning synagogues, community centers, schools and other Jewish institutions into inhospitable fortresses," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "We have produced this new video to further that effort. It offers practical suggestions to help keep our communities safe, and institutions can adopt all, many or a few depending on their own resources and needs."

"Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a nonprofit organization working out of a single office, the security of your workplace should always be a paramount concern," said Bill Daly, Managing Director of Kroll Associates in New York. "We’re delighted to offer our expertise to help ensure the safety of community institutions nationwide."

The 11-minute video offers practical security tips such as sealing off unnecessary building egresses, installing a security system, using security doors and intercoms, and ensuring that public areas such as parking lots and playgrounds are well lit after nightfall. The video also encourages communal organizations to establish close relationships with local and national law enforcement agencies, and to make security awareness "everyone’s responsibility."

The video is one link of a coordinated plan of action by ADL, which has recently orchestrated a series of security seminars across the country through the League’s 30 Regional Offices, bringing law enforcement and security experts together to share their advice and wisdom with the leaders of Jewish communal institutions.

Copies of Security Awareness for Community Institutions, along with ADL’s Security Handbook, may be purchased for $10. where The video and security handbook are available for purchase. Orders are being taken by phone, at (800) 295-0943, and by fax. Fax requests must include a contact name, title, the institution’s address, phone number and return fax number, and should be directed to Department MRC at (212) 885-5855.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.