Acting on intelligence of a growing terrorist threat, the government has raised its terror threat level to “high risk” orange. The change in the terror alert color from yellow was triggered by a growing possibility that Al Qaeda would launch an attack against the United States to coincide with Muslim holy days.

The FBI and senior intelligence officials have indicated that the threat is “nonspecific” in nature, and that the possible targets include “soft” or lightly guarded targets such as apartment buildings and hotels, and that such attacks could involve chemical, biological or radiological devices. The warning does not specifically single out Jewish synagogues or institutions.

“The FBI has told us that we should be on a heightened alert because there is a nonspecific threat that comes from some intelligence chatter,” said Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League. “Jewish institutions should be concerned, but this is nothing new to us.”

There is a real and ongoing security threat to Jewish communities. Osama bin Laden’s organization has previously targeted Jewish institutions in several countries, and statements by the group have singled out Jews as potential targets.

ADL is urging Jewish community institutions across the country to take the time to review and practice security procedures, reviewing with all personnel their role in security. The League also has been in contact with local, state and federal law enforcement officials and is providing assistance to local communities through its network of 30 regional offices.