YIW: “Day Of Hate” That May Target Jewish Institutions

Young Israel of Woodmere published the following statement:

“Dear Members:

As you may already be aware, various hate groups have been more aggressively organizing antisemitic activity throughout the country. As recently as this past weekend, anti semitic hate groups aggressively protested outside a Chabad in Orlando Florida.

While our shul and community is not currently the target of any specific threat, we must continue to be vigilant in being aware of the threats that such groups pose. These group activities generally involve the distribution of fliers, small protests and graffiti. Please be aware that our security team and local law enforcement are continually monitoring for such activity.

There are hate groups that have designated the weekend of February 25, 2023 as a “Day Of Hate” that might target jewish institutions.

Should our shul or community become the target of such activity please note the following:

a. If you feel in danger call 911 any time of the day or night, even shabbat and yom tov;

b. If you encounter such activity, do not confront any individuals, but rather report such activity to 911, as well as our shul security team; The best advise is to not engage with such actors, but rather ignore them. They are looking for a confrontation and we don’t want to give them one;

c. Please be assured that our shul has very experienced paid and volunteer security teams who can protect our shul and those who are within our building, but they have limited authority off our premises and thus the involvement of law enforcement is essential to resolving these situations.

Thank you for your for your continued vigilance in helping to keep our shul and community the safe place we enjoy living in.

As always, our security team is looking for additional volunteers. Please email: [email protected] for information about volunteering or with any security related issues or concerns. ”