Community Guidance: Situational Awareness Bulletin

July 31, 2024

On July 30, 2024, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a strike in Tehran, Iran.  Haniyeh was chief of Hamas’ political bureau since 2017 and was formerly the group’s deputy leader (2014-2017) and Prime Minister in Gaza (2007-2014). In the same 24-hour period, Hizballah senior military commander Fuad Shukr was assassinated in an Israeli strike in Beirut. Shukr was considered responsible for the rocket attack in the Golan Heights that killed 12 Druze children as well as managing the near-daily Hizballah attacks against Israel. He was also wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut that killed 241 U.S. military personnel. Additionally, there have been unverified reports of the assassination of a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) member in Damascus, Syria. 

Iran has indicated it will retaliate for these strikes, and these incidents may trigger an escalation in Israel-Iran tensions, to include Hizballah activity. 

At this time, there is no known credible threat to the Jewish Community in the United States. 

The JSA is actively monitoring the situation and remains in close coordination with each other and our law enforcement partners. We are advising institutions to remain open and operational. However, given the heightened tensions, we encourage the following security precautions and procedures best practices be implemented at your institutions:

  • LIMITED BUILDING ACCESS: Limit your building access to only one entrance/exit. Ensure all doors remain locked at all times and are only unlocked to admit known individuals. Do not open doors for unknown individuals. 
    • DROP OFF & PICK UP: Security and staff should be outside at this time and on the lookout for any suspicious individuals in these high traffic times. 
  • PERIMETER SWEEP: Upon opening your institution, conduct an outside sweep of your building’s perimeter. Report any suspicious items or individuals lurking outside to law enforcement immediately. 
  • CAMERA COVERAGE: Ensure all building cameras are on and properly recording. Designate an individual to review security footage continuously throughout the day and elevate any suspicious activity to law enforcement. 
  • MAIL AND DELIVERIES: Screen any packages and mail thoroughly that comes to the building. If you didn’t order it, do not accept it. Review your institution’s procedures for suspicious mail. 
  • LAW ENFORCEMENT: Connect with your local law enforcement and provide them with your schedule over the coming days, including school and prayer times. 

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