Security group advises vigilance around shuls in wake of attacks

Security levels around UK synagogues have been raised in the wake of the terrorist attack on a Jerusalem shul yesterday and the stabbing of Charedi man in Antwerp on Saturday.

A bulletin released yesterday by UK Jewish security group the Community Security Trust read: “In light of the ongoing tension, and also following the stabbing of a Jewish man on his way to synagogue in Antwerp on Saturday, CST asks that staff and visitors at communal buildings comply with all security measures and give security personnel their full cooperation.

“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and to challenge and report suspicious activity immediately to Police and CST.

“All communal buildings and organisers of communal events should review their security arrangements and ensure they are fully implemented.”

It reminded members of the Jewish community to:

- Be alert for suspicious people and activities including parked cars and unattended items

- Challenge (if it is safe to do so) and report suspicious people

- Where possible, make a report of any suspicious activity including photographs or descriptions

- Be aware of your surroundings when arriving at or leaving communal buildings or travelling through
Jewish neighbourhoods

- Ensure visible external security patrols take place to deter and detect hostile activity

- Prevent members of the community congregating outside communal buildings and events

- Prevent ‘tailgating’ – someone following close behind and attempting to gain access to the building when gates or doors are opened

- Volunteer for security rotas at communal buildings – security is everybody’s responsibility

- Report any security concerns or antisemitic incidents to Police and CST as soon as possible.”

Last night, a fifth victim - a policeman – died from wounds inflicted in the attack.

He was identified as 30-year-old Zidan Saif, a father of a four-month-old, from the Druze village of Kfar Yanouch in the Galilee.