ANT KATZ

The full text of the message to be sent out:

Dear Friends

We have received information which indicates an increased security risk to our community during the course of the next month or so.  Internationally a number of countries have released statements about increased risk of terrorism worldwide. However, the information we have relates specifically to South Africa.

As communal leadership we have developed a multi-faceted response to the increased threat level. The CSO is working very closely with our shuls and schools to upgrade their security, both from a physical as well as process point of view. We are working very closely with South African government security services, who are committed and dedicated to doing everything that needs to be done in this situation.

The CSO has identified a number of practical steps that the community should take to assist it in its task and to minimize any possible risk:

• We ask that as a matter of course, any activity that appears in any way suspicious or out of place be reported without delay to the CSO National number 086 18 000 18 or CT number 086 18 911 18. This does not only apply to Shabbat and Yom Tov, but at all times. Please be on the lookout for such activity, and encourage others to do the same.
• Those interested in assisting their shul/school security team, please do so. Your participation would be very welcome.      
• Community members are asked as a matter of course not to congregate in the street outside their shuls prior to or after the services. All social interaction should take place only once within the secure environment provided by the shul or other communal installation. Once outside this environment, people should disperse without undue delay.   
• As has been demonstrated many times, proper levels of vigilance on the part of the community combined with the timeous communication of relevant information to those entrusted with ensuring the community’s security is an effective way of preventing possible incidents. With this in mind, the community is urged to keep personal and communal safety concerns at the forefront of their minds, particularly during this period, and to assist and cooperate with security personnel at all times.

Pro-active partnership and support between all organisations and institutions is the key to successfully responding to this kind of challenge. Let us all work together for the benefit of our community.

 Kind regards

Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, Zev Krengel (President, SAJBD), Mary Kluk (National Chairman, SAJBD), Avrom Krengel (Chairman IUA UCF) and CSO Management