Community security level reduced

WITH the ceasefire holding between Israel and Hamas, the Community Security Group (CSG) has returned the national Jewish security alert from level five (severe) to level four (high).

At threat level four, a “terrorist attack is likely” and there could be a high level of racial vilification.

“A return to level 4 (high) is a result of a notable change in immediacy and frequency of incidents and sentiment directed to the community,” a CSG spokesperson said.

“The community is reminded that an alert level of four is in itself a high level, with significant threat, and requires substantial levels of protection and vigilance.”

The spokesperson noted that the media continues to focus on local radical groups and new national counter-terrorism policies and funding.

“It therefore remains possible that extremist individuals may direct their anger towards the local Jewish community in Australia.”

CSG raised the alert to level five (severe) on July 11 following the escalation between Israel and Hamas and an anti-Semitic assault against a Jewish man in Melbourne.

If you witness any suspicious people, objects or vehicles around Jewish buildings or events report them immediately to CSG on 1300 000 274.

JOSHUA LEVI