To all of our valued community partners,

CSI is heartbroken by the terror attack that occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on the evening of May 21. In this heinous act, two Israeli diplomatic personnel — Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky — were murdered as they left a Jewish event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. According to reports, the alleged assailant shouted “Free Palestine” while being apprehended, strongly suggesting that this was an ideologically motivated, antisemitic attack.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Sarah and Yaron. We stand in solidarity with the Capital Jewish Museum, the Embassy of Israel, the American Jewish Committee, and all who were impacted by this appalling act of violence. May their memories be a blessing.

Within moments after the attack, CSI has been engaged in constant communication with the Israeli diplomatic security team, FBI-NY/Joint Terrorism Task Force, CSI’s security colleagues in DC, and our local law enforcement partners across the New York metropolitan area. 

While there are currently no known, credible threats to Jewish institutions in our region, out of an abundance of caution, NYPD and other agencies have heightened their security postures — and we urge all of you to do the same.

RECOMMENDED COMMUNITY ACTIONS

We urge all institutions — especially those hosting events or welcoming guests over the coming weeks — to review and act on the following security guidance:

1. Communicate with Law Enforcement and CSI

• Notify your local police precinct and CSI about any planned major events, highlighting those occurring before June 30.

• Share all event details (date, time, location, expected attendance) with CSI at: csi_questions@csiny.org

2. Control Access and Screen Attendees

• Limit events to vetted, identifiable guests.

• Require registration and verify all registrants in advance.

• Only share event details with confirmed attendees.

• Implement on-site access control: locked doors, staffed entrances, and ID checks where appropriate.

• Utilize trained volunteers or CSS personnel to assist with guest verification and perimeter awareness.

3. Harden Your Perimeter

• Conduct pre-event security sweeps of buildings and surrounding areas.

• Review exterior camera coverage, door locks, and lighting.

• Consider additional physical security measures like bollards or parked vehicles to prevent against vehicle-based attacks.

• Position security personnel (volunteer or professional) visibly at entrances and throughout the site.

4. Coordinate a Security and Emergency Plan

• Designate a security coordinator or planning committee for the event.

• Draft and communicate post orders to staff and volunteers — including instructions for active threats.

• Review and practice lockdown and evacuation procedures.

• Identify secure areas in case of shelter-in-place.

• Plan for medical emergencies and account for individuals with mobility limitations.

5. Technology and Communication Preparedness

• Ensure staff, volunteers, and security personnel have radios or phones for instant communication.

• Protect Zoom or livestream feeds with passwords and avoid sharing links publicly.

6. Be Proactive in Threat Detection

• Remain alert to suspicious persons, vehicles, or behavior.

• Review surveillance footage regularly.

• Report any concerning activity immediately to local law enforcement — and to CSI once it is safe to do so.

7. Engage Community Partners

• Notify local community patrol organizations or volunteers (e.g., CSS) of upcoming events.

• Extend awareness to neighboring institutions and coordinate plans if appropriate.

IN CLOSING

This targeted attack outside the Jewish Museum underscores a sobering truth: we are living through an elevated period of antisemitic threat. But, we are not powerless. Proactive security measures, trained staff, vigilant communities, and trusted partnerships with law enforcement can—and do—save lives—as we’ve seen time and again.

The CSI Intelligence Desk will continue monitoring threats in real-time, and we will update you with any new developments. In the meantime, your vigilance is our strongest asset.

With gratitude and resolve,

Mitchell D. Silber
Executive Director
Community Security Initiative – Greater Metro NY
www.csiny.org | csi_questions@csiny.org