Dear HEA Families,
At HEA we strive to maintain a synagogue space that is open and welcoming, while also being safe and secure. We are also committed to clear and timely communication aimed at educating and empowering our community. We want to inform you of some recent incidents of antisemitism affecting the Colorado Jewish community, and how HEA is responding.
Since late July, there have been several incidents reported around the country of hoax calls to police departments making false reports of bombs and other threats against Jewish institutions. These so-called “swatting” threats are being carried out by online hate groups who aim to evoke chaos and fear by triggering an aggressive police response, often with a SWAT Team. In recent weeks, a number of synagogues and organizations in Colorado have been targeted with swatting threats, including the ADL regional office last week and at another area synagogue yesterday.
The safety and security of our community is our top priority, which is why we work closely with law enforcement agencies, ADL, and Jewish Colorado to develop thoughtful and thorough safety protocols. In light of the recent anti-Jewish activity, our dedicated team of volunteers and professionals are currently reviewing security procedures. We are grateful to our members who contribute to our security fund, which, along with local and federal grants, has provided safety upgrades to our building and training for our staff and volunteers. If you would like to learn more about our Greeter/Safety Team and how you can help, please contact James McKeon in the HEA office. We are always in need of more volunteer greeters for Shabbat and other events.
The terrorists who carry out these despicable attacks aim to evoke fear. We can defend ourselves by being vigilant and prepared. Yet, perhaps the best way to respond to Jew-hatred is to live proudly and publicly as Jewish people, not allowing ourselves to be cowed by fear.
As we today enter the Hebrew month of Elul and the High Holy Day season, we invite you to stand in solidarity with Jews everywhere by attending services and programs at the synagogue. This Shabbat we open the holiday season with Elul in the Shul, featuring scholar-in-residence Rabbi Corey Helfand, with activities on Friday evening, Shabbat morning, and Sunday morning. Please visit our website to learn more and register for these wonderful opportunities to celebrate being Jewish and prepare our hearts for the new year.
May the coming of the new year inspire us all to work together for a more peaceful, secure and just world.
Shalom,
Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald
Caryn Osterman, Interim Executive Director
Resources and Information
Articles about recent swatting incidents: NYTimes, JTA, The Forward
Learn more about local and national responses to antisemitism:
Jewish Colorado – Regional Safety & Security Initiative
Anti-Defamation League
Jewish Federations of North America – Secure Community Network
