North American Jewish groups alert for Iranian attacks after Syria strike

• Published date: 06 April 2024
• Author: MICHAEL STARR
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

SCN and ADL said that their heightened caution level came in response to IRGC chief Major General Hossein Salami's Friday threats to "punish the Zionist regime" for the alleged killing of IRGC Quds force commander Mohammed Reza Zahedi and six other officers in Syria. The Jewish organizations noted reports that 28 Israeli embassies and consulates and other diplomatic offices were put on high alert due to these threats

"In this moment of escalating international tension, the lights are blinking bright red, and they are blinking fast," SCN and ADL said in a joint statement. "The Jewish community across North America is facing unprecedented antisemitism and a heightened threat landscape and we must increase our vigilance to protect the community. We have a dual imperative to prioritize safety and security while continuing to live our lives as proud Jews."

Heightened security concerns

There was no actionable information from law enforcement about specific facilities, but SCN and ADL expressed concern that the Iranian Quds Day and the last days of Ramadan could be seen as a symbolic opportunity for Iran or its terrorist proxies to attack Jewish targets.

"We are urging Jewish institutions to remain open and operational while those in charge of security, community leaders, and indeed all members of the community should heighten awareness and security measures across organizations and in daily activities," said SCN and ADL. "We must not allow those who seek to spread fear to win. We will never abandon what makes us Jewish in the face of those who wish us harm."

ADL and SCN also cited the terrorist plot to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which the Shin Bet announced had been foiled on Thursday, as lending to their worries.

SCN, ADL, the American Jewish Committee (AJC), The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and the Orthodox Union (OU) issued a joint...