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New York, NY, August 24, 2017 ... Earlier this week, in response to the events in Charlottesville and ongoing concern about security for Jewish institutions across the country, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) held a nationwide briefing for leadership and security directors at local and national Jewish institutions. More than 500 individuals participated in the conference call from across the country, representing Jewish Community Centers, synagogues, and other communal organizations.
“For the Jewish community, security is always a concern,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “There’s no reason for alarm in the aftermath of Charlottesville, but we felt it was important for ADL to bring law enforcement and Jewish community institutions together to ensure communities across the country are prepared and safe.”
During the call, experts from ADL’s Center on Extremism provided information on the groups and individuals involved in the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, and what to expect from the white supremacist movement in the aftermath of the violence there. The call featured comments from two executives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who provided an overall threat assessment in the current environment and discussed the role of law enforcement agencies in protecting the Jewish community and other communities.
ADL’s communal security expert also offered practical security recommendations for Jewish institutions, including steps that synagogues can take to enhance and improve their security, should an extremist event take place in close proximity to their facility.
As the High Holidays approach, ADL will be holding additional community security briefings, and ADL offices around the country will be meeting with local law enforcement and community officials to discuss security in the aftermath of Charlottesville.