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Yom Tov Security and Safety Tips
The CSO is committed to ensuring that you and your loved ones go into Yom Tov with the peace of mind that we are doing everything possible to keep you safe and secure.ย
We recognise that everything is in the hands of Hashem, but we cannot forget that Hashem, the ultimate Protector, also demands that we play our part in protecting ourselves, our families and our fellow Jews.ย
The CSO and our communal leaders urge you to take careful note of the following security and safety tips.ย
When at Shul
- Never allow a person/people who you do not know or trust to enter your Shul.
- Report suspicious people trying to gain access to your Shul or who have gained access to your Shul to the head of security and the CSO.
- Report any suspicious vehicles, bags, boxes or parcels to the head of securityย and the CSO.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant for suspicious activity.
- Report possible information-gathering in whatever form e.g. someone taking pictures, asking questions, taking notes or repeatedly driving past the Shul.
- Never disclose sensitive information to people who may be asking youย questions about your Shul.ย Report such activity to the CSO immediately.
- Ensure doors/gates are kept closed and locked at all times and do properย access control.
- Ensure that you know how to close and lock the doors and gates in an emergency.
- Avoid congregating in the streets outside your Shul.
- Volunteer to join your Shul security team.
When walking in the street
- Be aware of any vehicle/s or people who appear to be following you or actingย suspiciously in any way.ย Report such activity to the CSO immediately.
- Walk together in a group, particularly at night. There is safety inย numbers.
- Never allow children to walk anywhere alone.
- Ensure that your children walk on the inside i.e. closest to/on the pavementย and that they are always within armโs reach.
- Wear an item of reflective clothing or a reflective belt at night to ensure thatย you can be seen by passing motorists.
- Where possible, use well-illuminated and main arterial routes. Avoid using secluded paths and shortcuts.
- Wherever possible, walk on the pavement. If this is not possible, walk on theย right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
- Conceal any jewellery or items of value.
- Report any suspicious activity to the CSO.
When at home
- Inform your family and employees of any expected deliveries or guests andย remind themย NEVERย to open the gate or door for anyone who is not expected.
- If you are hosting guests, make prior arrangements as to their arrival times and avoid having your guests wait outside your home.
- Provide additional keys to all family members, to avoid them having to wait outside.
- Lock your doors and gates as soon your guests arrive and always ensureย that your front gates and doors remain locked.
- Consider securing the services of a reputable and CSO approved securityย company to protect your home.
- Donโt enter your house if you notice any suspicious people or vehicles lurking nearby. Call the CSO or your security company.
- Ensure that you know how to close and lock your door and gate quicklyย in an emergency.
As always, the CSO will again be working closely with local security companies and the South African Police Services to increase the security presence at and around Jewish Communal installations, and we wish to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for their ongoing support and assistance.ย
FOR ANY EMERGENCY, SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY OR POTENTIAL THREATS SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
OR JEWISH INSTALLATIONS, CONTACT THE CSO ON
086 18 000 18