Saying Something Can Save Lives

Saying Something Can Save Lives

Meredith Burke | Community Security Director

Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, the threat environment facing the Jewish community in North America is at an all-time high. Secure Community Network’s Duty Desk has documented a historic surge in antisemitic threats and calls for violence, logging a record 1,677 incident reports since October 7, 2023, a 193% increase from 2022. Incidents include vandalism, harassment, and assault among other acute threats and actions. Notably, there have been 158 bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting Jewish facilities since October 7, 2023, as well as 29 assault incidents and an additional 248 harassment incidents.

While these numbers are shocking, they also reflect something meaningful: people are “saying something,” when they “see something.” Making reports can truly have an impact when it leads to the prevention of a crime being committed. It is rare that an avoided attack is reported in the news, yet there are many instances where good situational awareness coupled with the commitment to report suspicious activity has made the difference between life and death.

You may be the only witness and therefore the only person able to report the suspicious activity you observe! Don’t discount activity, behavior, or environments that you find troubling. In Los Angeles and Long Beach, reports can be made anonymously by texting tips through the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Program. Report by texting “TIPLA (along with your message)” to CRIMES (274637). The process is completely secure and anonymous and is a very effective and efficient means of safely communicating important information.

Another resource is the Sandy Hook Promise, formed in 2012 following the tragic school shooting. A tipster can report anything from school threats they’ve seen or overheard to personal crises, including sexual harassment, self-harm, abuse, bullying, and depression. Tips can be reported via a telephone call (1-844-5-SAYNOW), through its website, or through a mobile app. According to the website reports, the system has received over 185,000 tips, which have saved a confirmed 536 lives. This system was adopted by the Long Beach Unified School District in 2022.

Report antisemitic incidents, threats, phishing emails, and other suspicious activity to me using the Incident Reporting Form on Jewish Long Beach’s website (https:// www.jewishlongbeach.org/resources/ incidentreporting), or by sending an email to mburke@jewishlongbeach.org. Any criminal information will be shared with law enforcement. Non-criminal information is assessed by Secure Community Network’s Intelligence Analysts and shared with partners including the Anti-Defamation League. If you’re at the Alpert JCC, stop by to see me and let’s talk in person.

I hope 2024 finds you safe, healthy, and happy!