New York, NY, September 13, 2006 … To help synagogues and Jewish institutions effectively prepare for the security concerns surrounding the High Holidays, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has renewed its effort to encourage synagogues and community institutions across the country to update their security plans and procedures.

"The recent shooting attack at the Jewish Federation building in Seattle, while the work of an individual who acted alone, was a reminder that the Jewish community must make security a priority each and every day, and especially during the High Holidays," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Our goal is to raise security awareness by offering guidelines and concrete steps that will meet the needs of congregations while not interfering with religious practices and traditions."

This year, the High Holy Days commence on September 23 with Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the Jewish calendar year.

A longtime leader in security awareness, ADL has been working closely with communities around the country to encourage institutions to have adequate protection, especially during the time of year when Jews gather in large numbers.

Among the steps being taken:

•  The League's 30 regional offices are conducting local security training seminars across the country in partnership with state, federal and local law enforcement to help Jewish institutions prepare and/or update their security plan.  The briefings emphasize the importance of training staff, reviewing and practicing security procedures, and developing relationships with local authorities.

•  ADL issued a Security Advisory urging Jewish institutions to "take stock of security measures currently in place and make sure they are adequate."  While the Advisory notes that there is "no information regarding a specific threat," it cites a heightened concern in the aftermath of the July 28 shootings at the Seattle Jewish Federation, anti-Semitic attacks in other countries, and the recent hostilities in the Middle East.  Information and security updates, along with the League's most asked-for security manuals, are available at www.adl.org/security

•  The League has placed ads in Jewish community newspapers stressing the importance of security awareness for Jewish communal institutions during the High Holidays.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.