Updated: October 19, 2023
The U.S. remains in a heightened threat environment and recent events reinforce that. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, we have seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions. Lone offenders, motivated by a range of violent ideologies, pose the most likely threat. We urge the public to stay vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
DHS is closely monitoring unfolding events and will continue to engage in information sharing with our homeland security partners at home and abroad. We, along with our partners at all levels of government, will continue to help communities prepare for and respond to a range of public safety challenges and are working tirelessly on this mission, which has never been more important. Below are a variety of DHS resources that may be helpful to organizations:
- Resources for Community Organizations and Service Providers
Training and course offerings, services, and funding resources for community organizations to address targeted violence. - Security and Resilience Resources for At-Risk Communities
Provides a range of physical security and community resources, including PSAs, Faith-Based/Houses of Worship, School Safety, and broader counterterrorism/targeted violence programs related to at-risk communities and soft targets/publicly accessible locations. - Protecting Houses of Worship Landing Page
This webpage is a first stop shop for guidance and resources to inform Faith-based organizations and places of worship on security-based decisions. Included on this page are numerous resources, which provide building blocks for effective safety and security programs. The resources include a self-assessment tool, trainings, exercises, and other materials focused on a wide range of man-made threats (e.g., bombing, active shooter, vehicle ramming, etc.) that could be used against communities. - Protecting Places of Worship: Six Steps to Enhance Security Against Targeted Violence
This document outlines actions that faith-based organizations and community leaders can take to increase security. These six steps can help protect places of worship against potential threats of targeted violence in a cost-effective manner that maintains an open and welcoming environment. - Protecting Places of Worship: Perimeter Security Considerations
This infographic outlines low-to-no cost solutions to help implement these suggested practices and highlights ways to identify funding for security improvements. - Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances | USCIS
Unforeseen circumstances, such as natural catastrophes (hurricanes, wildfires, severe weather, etc.), national emergencies (public health emergencies), or severe illness (including COVID), can sometimes affect the processing of your USCIS application, petition, or immigration request. - Allied Against Hate: A Toolkit for Faith Communities
This toolkit describes practical steps faith communities can take to prevent acts of hate, discrimination, and bias, and to demonstrate solidarity with targeted communities if such acts tragically do occur. - "If You See Something, Say Something© Campaign Resources
This national public awareness campaign offers free materials (posters, social media graphics, videos, etc.) to help community leaders, public safety officials, and faith-based organizations/places of worship encourage community members to immediately report signs of suspicious activity to local authorities and help prevent terrorism-related incidents. - Prevention Resource Finder
The Prevention Resource Finder provides stakeholders with information on the resources needed to help prepare for and prevent targeted violence and terrorism across our country. Government-wide resources on the website include community support resources; grant funding opportunities; information-sharing platforms; evidence-based research; and training opportunities for communities to reduce the risk of targeted violence, including hate-based targeted violence.
Source: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/10/10/resources-and-information-faith-and-community-leaders-regarding-israel-hamas