Department of Homeland Security Releases New Guide for Shuls

by M.C. Millman

The Department of Homeland Security released a new guide yesterday meant for houses of worship to utilize in order to better protect themselves during a time of countrywide heightened tensions.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) developed "Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities," a 16-page guide to provide helpful information in an easy-to-understand format to help these communities mitigate the threat of targeted violence and prepare for potential incidents. The goals provide readily implementable, cost-effective solutions and resources to help faith-based communities reduce risk and enhance resilience.

The guide is available here and at CISA offices across the U.S. as well as through its 125 partner protective security advisers including from Rockland's Community Security Initiative.

"If there's a cycle when it comes to security," Ethan Erlich,  Regional Security Director for the Community Security Initiative/Jewish Federation of Rockland County, shares with Rockland Daily, "right now, people and organizations are really concerned about safety and taking it seriously. The number of requests, calls, and questions our office has seen coming since October 7 has risen dramatically for training, vulnerable assessments, and advice."

What can shuls, yeshivos, and other non-profit religious organizations do now, shortly before the annual Securing Communities Against Crimes grant is due out from New York State? 

"Get a free vulnerability assessment from our office," Erlich advises. "Don't wait for the last minute. Before the grant comes out, you need to get your organization prequalified on Grants Gateway and choose what security requests your organization would most benefit from. Most importantly - don't wait until the last minute."

For questions or concerns, contact Rockland's CSI here.