CSS: ATTACKS AGAINST LOS ANGELES JEWISH COMMUNITY “SERVE AS A WAKE UP CALL”

Calls on elected, law enforcement, community members to play a more proactive role in security

New York, NY, June 24, 2024 … The Community Security Service (CSS), the leading Jewish community-based security organization in the United States, expressed deep concern today over the level of antisemitism and anti-Israel hostility that has afflicted the Los Angeles Jewish community over the past 24 hours, which has included the blocking of congregants from entering a synagogue, intimidation, violence, and antisemitic harassment.

Richard Priem, CSS CEO, issued the following statement:

“The intimidation, harassment and violence against the Jewish community of Los Angeles serves as a wake up call to elected officials and law enforcement across the country that anti-Jewish animus poses a tangible threat to society. We commend our local and national elected officials for their strong condemnations. At the same time, we call on the authorities to step up even more in the protection of Jewish institutions.

While we are experiencing an increased interest in community engagement following the October 7th attacks in Israel, the Jewish community must begin to adopt a more proactive role in its own protection. A prerequisite for our safety is the direct involvement of the members themselves playing a role in security – a cultural mindset of which Jewish communities outside of the United States have adopted for decades.

The recent events taking place in LA and across the country in the wake of the October 7th attacks – which are producing a high sense of vulnerability across the Jewish denominational spectrum – must prompt more tangible action. We remain committed to empowering and training the community to do just that.”

About CSS:

CSS is the leading Jewish volunteer security nonprofit organization in the United States. Founded in 2007, CSS is focused on training volunteers in basic security procedures to help protect their institutions and events across the country. Through programs developed by foremost industry security experts, and tailored to various levels of interest and ability, volunteers learn to identify suspicious activity and prevent and respond to potential threatening situations in coordination with law enforcement and communal partners. To date, the CSS has a national network of over 6000 trained volunteers, protecting hundreds of synagogues and events each year. Visit thecss.org.