Chabad HQ issues security alert
CHABAD headquarters in New York has told its emissaries across the world to “avoid participating in events with large crowds of people” only three weeks before Chanukah.
CHABAD headquarters in New York has told its emissaries across the world to “avoid participating in events with large crowds of people” only three weeks before Chanukah.
The Chabad-Lubavitch Security Commission emailed rabbis worldwide and said that although there was no direct connection between the attacks in Paris and the Jewish community or Chabad, ISIS-related and ISIS-inspired attacks have previously targeted Jewish sites in Brussels, Copenhagen and Paris.
“Maintain a heightened awareness when out in public, and if possible avoid participating in events with large crowds of people,” the email said.
“In the event that you are compelled to coordinate a large event – whether indoor or outdoor – take all of the necessary measures to properly secure the event with private security guards.
“In addition, make sure to notify local law enforcement of all of the detailed plans of the event and request that they provide adequate personnel in order to help secure the event and to create a significant enough presence to help serve as a deterrent against anyone contemplating an attack God forbid.”
The AJN spoke to a number of Chabad rabbis in Melbourne, who said they had not yet seen the email.
However, Rabbi Pinchus Feldman, the head of Chabad in NSW, said he had received the email and that he would be working with Jewish community security agencies to ensure that events are as safe as possible.
“We are blessed here in Australia to have a fantastic Communal Security Group which liaises between the relevant security authorities and Jewish organisations,” Rabbi Feldman said.
“We are very grateful for their amazing dedication to the community’s safety and security.”
Young Adult Chabad will be holding a special Shabbat for France event this Friday night in honour or those who died and so that young French Jews in Sydney can gather and mourn together.
Jeremy Chaker, who grew up in Paris but moved to Australia last year, said it’s a difficult time to be overseas.
“Thankfully, I didn’t have any close friends who died but friends of friends were killed. It’s shocking,” he said. “It’s very scary because even though I am not religious I wouldn’t feel comfortable being in Paris at the moment. We will get together this week because it will be nice for us to share our feelings because a lot of us are from Paris and have the same thoughts and emotions.”
All young adults are invited to join the Shabbat dinner.
The head of the Community Security Group (CSG) in Victoria Ricky Pearl told The AJN that the Australian National Alert level remains high, which means “an attack is likely to occur”, but there is no specific information to indicate an attack is imminent.
“The Victorian community needs to be working closely with CSG to ensure that we all take the necessary steps to keep safe,” Pearl said.
“Every community member must ask him/herself, ‘Can I do more to ensure my community’s safety? Am I playing an active role?’”
He said everyone should consider joining their school and shul security roster, getting trained and, as always, if they see suspicious activity they should call CSG on 1300 000 274.
“We must come together, behind one security agenda, and do whatever it takes to protect Jewish life and the Jewish way of life.”
Full Paris coverage in this week’s AJN.
JOSHUA LEVI
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