In light of the recent shootings in France and Denmark, Jewish institutions around the globe are paying closer attention to security. In the last few weeks alone, more than a half-dozen Jewish institutions in the Denver area and Western Slope have reached out to the Anti-Defamation League’s Mountain States office for assistance in creating security plans.

 

“We believe Jewish institutions must remain vigilant about security every day, but these tragic events bring security concerns to the forefront,” said Jeremy Shaver, ADL Mountain States Region Assistant Director. “We are ready and willing to assist Jewish institutions in creating safe and secure communities that are still warm and welcoming.”

 

The Mountain States Office has recently provided security trainings at a wide variety of Jewish institutions, including several preschools, synagogues and a medical center. The trainings have covered a variety of topics. Those topics include:  the unique security concerns of Jewish institutions, how to assess an institution’s threat risk, suggestions for increasing basic awareness, and steps for creating a comprehensive security plan that addresses an institution’s unique situation and concerns.

In addition to working with Jewish institutions to promote security, ADL works closely with a variety of law enforcement agencies across Colorado to highlight the security concerns of Jewish institutions. For instance, ADL issued a security bulletin to Jewish institutions and law enforcement agencies on April 1 to highlight the potential for increased extremist activity during the month. The number of holidays and observances in April – including Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Israeli Independence Day – as well as several dates and anniversaries of significance to extremists, warrant extra awareness and vigilance.

ADL’s commitment to Jewish institutional security is a core part of our mission. If you would like to find out more about ADL’s Jewish Institutional Security offerings or arrange a security seminar for your institution, please contact our office at 303-830-7177 or visit www.adl.org/security.