Responding to growing concerns of communal security in the wake of the devastating terror attacks and state of war in Israel, the Secure Community Network (SCN) quickly planned and held a webinar on Thursday October 12, to offer its “National Update on Domestic Security Guidance Amidst Hamas Terror Attacks on Israel.” The webinar featured no less an authority than FBI Director Christopher Wray, and others, to offer informed perspective on the security threats facing our communities.

SCN National Director and CEO Michael Masters advised viewers that “at this time, there are no known, direct, credible threats to Jewish institutions,” yet the situation is evolving and Jewish organizations should remain alert to their circumstances. He urged viewers to not rely on unverified information online for security guidance but, instead, to seek verified information from known entities such as SCN, Jewish Federation security directors, and/or local law enforcement. He encouraged Jewish organizations to remain open and active, despite calls online for disturbances on Friday, October 13 for “World Jihad Day,” yet to remain vigilant.

FBI Director Christopher Wray assured viewers that the agency was aware of the calls for “World Jihad Day,” were investigating it, and would work with their field office throughout the US as needed. He noted that the FBI has 4,500 agents assigned to counter-terrorism, who are focused on alerts like this. He urged viewers to stay vigilant and that if they see something of concern, they should “say something” to their local law enforcement or to the FBI tips website at tips.fbi.gov.