Community Security Service: How to stay safe at the mass rally in Washington, D.C. next Tuesday, November 14.
At the Community Security Service (CSS), our mission is to protect Jewish life and the Jewish way of life. We understand many members of our community are planning to attend the March for Israel on Tuesday, 14 November. We are adding guidance below to keep you and your family safe during this important event.
Pro-Israel Events
- If you are going with a group, do not openly publish or advertise in social networks pictures of the meeting point or time of the gathering.
- Avoid arriving to the demonstration in a recognizable outfit. If you are bringing flags, do not show or take them out before arriving to the event.
- Reverse park and remember the route to and from your vehicle.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged, bring an portable battery charger if you have one.
- Go with a friend / travel or arrive to the place in a group of at least two.
- Do not get involved in confrontations of any type.
- If you encounter a problematic situation in the street, look for a safe place to stay out of harm’s way (store, coffee shop, hotel, etc.)
- Do not leave your belongings without supervision at ANY time.
- Communicate with CSS here and law enforcement (911).
Situational Awareness
- For your home: Lock your doors and windows, Ensure your front door is secure: security door, good-quality lock, chain or other device for opening the door a crack, peephole.
- Fit an alarm to your home/ workplace doors, windows etc. Illuminate the entrance area.
- Place signs indicating that the premises are protected by an alarm, or that tripping the alarm will bring the police, etc.
- Note suspicious vehicles and characters in your neighborhood.
- Do not buzz anyone in without verifying their identity through the intercom or CCTV.
- Break your daily routine by changing your schedule, routes, parking spots, by using public transport, etc.
- Lock your car doors and close your windows when moving or parking.
- Before entering a parked vehicle glance inside and check for suspicious items.
- Park somewhere illuminated and guarded. Check if there are any suspicious people nearby. If so, drive off and park elsewhere.
- When stopping at an intersection, keep your distance from the car in front so you can drive around and escape if need be.
- Walk confidently, even when afraid; fear attracts the wrong kind of people.
Anti-Israel Demonstrations
- If you know the location ahead of time, avoid getting close to the area.
- Avoid confrontation with demonstrators
- Inform law enforcement of the situation/ location
- If the demonstration is happening close to a Jewish institution, please contact CSS/Local Jewish Federation.
Read in PDF form here.
