Each day at just after midnight Eastern, a post like this one is created for contributors and readers of this site to upload news links and video links on the issues that concern this site. Most notably, Islam and its effects on Classical Civilization, and various forms of leftism from Soviet era communism, to postmodernism and all the flavours of galloping statism and totalitarianism such as Nazism and Fascism which are increasingly snuffing out the classical liberalism which created our near, miraculous civilization the West has been building since the time of Socrates.
This document was written around the time this site was created, for those who wish to understand what this site is about. And while our understanding of the world and events has grown since then, the basic ideas remain sound and true to the purpose.
So please post all links, thoughts and ideas that you feel will benefit the readers of this site to the comments under this post each day. And thank you all for your contributions.
This is the new Samizdat. We must use it while we can.
Suspected ISIS Commander Goes on Trial in Germany
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2085456/suspected-isis-commander-goes-trial-germany
“A 33-year-old Syrian man suspected of commanding a unit of 20 ISIS militants is on trial in the German city of Frankfurt on charges of membership of a terrorist organization.
Prosecutors allege that the man served as an “emir” in the Syrian civil war, carrying an assault rifle in the service of ISIS.
The accused declined on Wednesday to answer the charges or questions regarding his identity but will participate in the trial during its course, German News Agency (dpa) quoted his defense lawyer as saying.
According to the charge sheet, the man joined ISIS in 2013, rising rapidly in the ranks. He is alleged to have organized checkpoints and patrols in and around the city of al-Raqqa in northern Syria, seizing two men as hostages in this capacity.
The accused is said to have entered Germany as a refugee in June 2015, living in the western city of Kassel.
He has been in custody since November 2018 after a police special unit detained him when details of his role in the Syrian war become known, dpa said.”
UN: Around 350,0000 People Have Fled Idlib Since Dec. 1
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2085826/un-around-3500000-people-have-fled-idlib-dec-1
“Around 350,000 Syrians, mostly women and children, have been displaced by a renewed Russian-backed offensive in the opposition-held Idlib province since early December, and have sought shelter in border areas near Turkey, the United Nations said on Thursday…”
France to Deploy Aircraft Carrier to Middle East
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2086186/france-deploy-aircraft-carrier-middle-east
“France will deploy the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its battle group from January to April to support French military operations in the Middle East, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.
“The aircraft carrier will support Chammal operations (in the Middle East) from January to April 2020 before deploying to the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea”, Macron said at a New Year speech to the French military, according to Reuters.
The deployment comes amid growing tensions between Iran and the United States and French concerns that the fight against ISIS militants may be weakened within that context, the news agency said.”
Washington Demands Immediate Exit of Mercenaries From Libya
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2085846/washington-demands-immediate-exit-mercenaries-libya
“The US has welcomed diplomatic efforts to end violence in Libya, wrote the press officer at the US State Department Spokesman’s Office in a letter to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Aaron Testa said Washington supports Libyans’ demand to build a secure future without any foreign intervention. He pointed out that the US administration “positively appreciates the Libyan leaders who understand the need for a ceasefire, followed by a political process suggested by Libyan parties and not imposed from abroad.”
Testa stressed the need to withdraw all foreign forces that have fueled the conflict in the country, urging all Libyan parties to seize this opportunity to address the political, economic and security issues that divide them.
He affirmed his country’s support for Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The officer also called on countries that claim to support stability in Libya to withdraw their forces immediately, including Russian mercenaries and the Syrian fighters they support and whose intervention has greatly deteriorated the humanitarian situation there.
While Washington reiterates its plan to reduce its regional intervention for the NATO’s benefit, Testa pointed to the US participation in the international dialogue process that is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Germany and the United Nations on Sunday.
He expressed hope that Washington’s participation in these efforts would lead to the continuation of the ceasefire implemented, the launch of dialogue within Libyan parties, withdrawal of foreign forces and the return to a UN-led political process.
The US State Department’s position announcement comes in light of the meeting held in Moscow between Commander of the Libyan National Army Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Speaker of the Libyan Parliament in Tobruk Aguila Saleh, on one hand, and Head of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord Fayez al-Sarraj, on the other hand.
Parties failed to agree on signing a ceasefire agreement on Monday.
European and US officials said Haftar refused to sign the agreement because an article demanded to be added was rejected, which dictates dissolving pro-Sarraj militias in Tripoli.
Peter Millett, the former British ambassador to Libya, tweeted that Haftar and his backers “still think he can win militarily,” and this is the reason behind his intransigence and not signing the agreement.
However, other analysts did not rule out a secret agreement between Ankara and Moscow that was opposed by Haftar and his supporters.”
Russia’s Plan to Stop Free Speech on the Internet
A long and arduous journey: Hondurans continue towards US
Hundreds dead in Yemen as swine flu spreads
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200116-hundreds-dead-in-yemen-as-swine-flu-spreads/
“According to the Health Ministry of the Houthi-aligned National Salvation Government based in Sanaa, an outbreak of swine flu has claimed more than 270 lives within the space of three months.
The Health Ministry is reportedly introducing measures to counter the spread of the H1N1 virus across several governates, following outbreaks of dengue and malaria, prompting a state of emergency being declared by health minister, Taha Al-Mutawakkil.
“The number of people infected with swine flu reached 6600 cases during 2019, including 1,600 cases during the past two months, while the number of deaths reached 43, among which eight cases were confirmed that they died from H1N1 virus,” Dr. Yusef Al-Hadhri, the ministry’s spokesman, informed Yemen Press Agency last month.
“A bout of fast-spreading swine flu has killed 94 people in October alone, while thousands of reported cases have overwhelmed health care facilities, already crippled by constant violence,” stressed Mohammed Al-Mansour, a senior health official…”
UN appeals for $477 million for refugees in Sudan
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200116-un-appeals-for-477-million-for-refugees-in-sudan/
“The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has appealed for $477 million to help more than 900,000 refugees in Sudan, in addition to nearly a quarter of a million of their Sudanese hosts this year.
“Sudan has a long history of hosting refugees and asylum seekers but also struggles with its own internal displacement, while facing a severe economic crisis. Our call comes at a time when the country is going through a historical political transition, and requires international solidarity to achieve peace and stability,” UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch announced during a press briefing in Geneva.
In a report titled “Long way home for displaced Sudanese as fears of insecurity persist” released on Tuesday, the UNHCR explained that along with over 30 partners, they launched a humanitarian plan including strengthening the local infrastructure, education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene services, to be able to accommodate the increasing needs of refugees and affected host communities, as well as to promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence…”
Son of prominent South African Muslim preacher shot in head
https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/1/16/son-of-prominent-south-africa-muslim-preacher-shot
“The son of a prominent South African Muslim preacher was airlifted to hospital on Wednesday after being shot in the head, media in the country have reported.
Yousuf Deedat, son of the late Ahmed Deedat, is reportedly fighting for his life after the attack outside a family court in the coastal city of Durban.
Police colonel Thembeka Mbele said the 65-year-old was walking towards the Verulam family court as he was shot. He added that the suspect fled in a vehicle.
“He is in critical condition in a local hospital. While his injuries remain severe, we remain hopeful for Deedat’s recovery,” Deedat’s family said in a statement late on Wednesday.
Ahmed Deedat was one of South Africa’s most prominent Muslim missionaries, having held several high-profile public debates and penned several works about comparitive religion.
The preacher from Durban debated a number of prominent Christian Evangelists, and at one point even challenged Pope Jean Paul II to a debate at the Vatican.
Deedat’s works won international recognition and international accolades from Muslim states, including the
King Faisal International Prize in 1986 for his 50 years of preaching. Deedat died at the age of 87 in 2005.”
CNN – Key Ukrainian official responds to Parnas’ Trump allegations
Steve Bannon weighs in on Lev Parnas, calls Impeachment a ‘farce’
CNN – Part 1 of Anderson Cooper’s interview with Lev Parnas
BREITBART – Ukrainian Foreign Minister on Lev Parnas: ‘I Don’t Trust Any Word He Is Now Saying’
Appearing Thursday on CNN, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko dismissed Lev Parnas— the indicted Rudy Guiliani associate who claims President Donald Trump personally directed an effort to ask Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden — stating he’s never met him, nor does he trust anything he says.
Appearing Thursday on CNN, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko dismissed Lev Parnas— the indicted Rudy Guiliani associate who claims President Donald Trump personally directed an effort to ask Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden — stating he’s never met him, nor does he trust anything he says.
A transcript is as follows:
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: Lev Parnas, a crony of Rudy Guiliani — who is the president’s personal lawyer — has now spoken out, as you know, and he has said several things. Mostly, [he’s said] that he did carry a very explicit message from the president via Rudy Guiliani that there would need to be a quid pro quo if Ukraine was going to continue to get any kind of assistance. And furthermore, he has now said, that he’s spoken to key officials within President Zelensky’s circle. Since you are one of those — and you were when this happened — did you get that message from Lev Parnas?
VADYM PRYSTAIKO: It’s all in Ukrainian media as well — today and yesterday — and strangely enough, my name was not mentioned, even though I’m the minister of foreign affairs. Frankly, I have not spoken with this individual, and again, frankly, I don’t trust any word he is now saying. The assistance that he’s referring to was reviewed each and every year, annually at least twice, and half of the year and end of the year. so we knew this was going to be reviewed. Some times it would be cut because of some political understanding of what is to be done in Ukraine.
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/01/16/ukrainian-foreign-minister-on-lev-parnas-i-dont-trust-any-word-he-is-now-saying/
Assoicated Press – Muslim millennial dispels stereotypes for millions
Trey Gowdy reacts to Pelosi calling AG Barr a ‘rogue attorney general’
U.S. allows time to wind down deals hit by fresh Iran sanctions
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-sanctions/u-s-allows-time-to-wind-down-deals-hit-by-fresh-iran-sanctions-idUSKBN1ZF24J
“The U.S. Treasury Department said on Thursday it will allow for a 90-day period to wind down transactions in certain sectors of Iran’s economy hit with fresh U.S. sanctions last week.
The period, good through April 9, allows transactions in the construction, mining, manufacturing or textiles sectors of Iran’s economy that could be targeted under last week’s action to be wound down without exposure to sanctions, the Treasury Department said in an update to its frequently asked questions, or FAQs, on Iran sanctions on its website.
Entering into new business that falls under the sanctions imposed on Friday, however, would not be considered winding down and could still be sanctionable, the FAQ said.
The United States imposed more sanctions on Iran on Friday in retaliation for its missile attack on U.S. forces in Iraq last week and vowed to tighten the economic screws if Tehran continued “terrorist” acts or pursued a nuclear bomb.
The targets of the sanctions included Iran’s manufacturing, mining and textile sectors as well as senior Iranian officials who Washington said were involved in the Jan. 8 attack on military bases housing U.S. troops…”
Pakistan: US must be involved on Afghanistan after troops leave
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan-us-must-be-involved-on-afghanistan-after-troops-leave-1.1579221464637
“Washington: Pakistan said Thursday that the United States must remain engaged in Afghanistan’s reconstruction even if it succeeds in withdrawing troops and ending its longest war.
Pakistan’s foreign minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, was visiting Washington where he is set to speak to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the growing momentum toward a deal between the United States and the Taliban.
Qureshi warned the United States not to return to neglect of Afghanistan, as seen after 1989 when Soviet troops pulled out under pressure from Islamic guerrillas backed by Washington and Islamabad.
“Do not repeat the ‘80s,” Qureshi said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on the eve of his talks with Pompeo.
“Even if there is a successful agreement, challenges will remain there, so the United States and its friends and coalition partners will have to have a more responsible withdrawal,” he said.
“They should remain engaged — not to fight, but to rebuild,” he said…”
Egypt rebukes Turkish remarks on Anadolu, criticises Ankara’s freedom records
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/359669/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-rebukes-Turkish-remarks-on-Anadolu,-criticis.aspx
“Egypt’s foreign ministry rebuked Turkey’s reactions to what it said were legal measures taken by the Egyptian authorities against Turkey’s state news agency Anadolu office in Cairo, while criticising the Ankara’s freedom records.
Egyptian police raided on Wednesday the office where Turkey’s state-run news agency Anadolu was illegally operating in Cairo, arresting four of its staff members including a Turkish national, according to a statement by Egypt’s interior ministry.
Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the raid in a statement saying the action “reveals the negative approach of the Egyptian administration towards freedom of the press,” while criticising Cairo’s democracy records. The ministry summoned the Egyptian charge d’affaires in Ankara over the matter and demanded the immediate release of its detained staff.
The Egyptian ministry responded saying it “categorically rejects” the remarks against what it stressed were legal measures taken in dealing with “illegal Turkish electronic media committees in Egypt.”
The committee worked under the cover of a company established by the banned Muslim Brotherhood group with the support of Turkey to “spread false and fabricated information about the political, economic, security and legal conditions in Egypt aiming to tarnish Egypt’s image locally and internationally,” the ministry added in a statement early on Thursday.
The statement asserted that all measures taken by the Egyptian authorities were carried out in accordance with laws and regulations applied in such cases.
It denounced the Turkish remarks saying they came from a regime “ranked one of the worst in violating freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of the press and other fundamental rights and freedoms.”
It accused the Turkish regime of “funding extremist groups and terrorist militias in a number of countries in the region, seeking to control their fates.”
Relationships between Cairo and Ankara have been strained since the 2013 ouster of Muslim Brotherhood president Mohamed Morsi, who was backed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The rift between the two countries has been further worsened over maritime demarcation in the Eastern Mediterranean region and Turkey’s plans to send troops to Libya.”
10,000 Pakistani prisoners languishing in ‘foreign jails’
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2138733/1-579-pakistani-released-since-saudi-crown-prince-announced-amnesty-fo/
“As many as 579 Pakistani prisoners have been released from jails of Saudi Arabia since Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s visit to Islamabad last year, the Foreign Office said on Thursday.
During his visit to the country in February, the crown prince had announced to release 2,000 Pakistani prisoners as a goodwill gesture on the request of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqi, during weekly media briefing in Islamabad, said the Pakistani embassy was in touch with the Saudi authorities over the release of the prisoners from Saudi jails.
She said additional 1,500 prisoners had also been released by Saudi authorities under clemency or completion of their sentences, other than those being released under amnesty announced by the crown prince.
Farooqi said overall 10,000 Pakistani were imprisoned in 28 countries across the world, half of the which were convicted of criminal charges including smuggling.
She said the country’s embassies and consulates in the last few years arranged over 13,000 consular access meetings in different countries and jurisdictions in an effort to assist Pakistani prisoners.
“The government is fully cognizant of its responsibilities and is engaged with other governments for the release of Pakistani prisoners,” she said.
The spokesperson said the visit of PM Imran to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum was on the cards, details of which would be shared in due time.
On restoration of stalled peace process between the United States and Taliban, she said Pakistan welcomed resumption of talks and hoped for their conclusion at the earliest.”
SIGAR: US officials have ‘routinely’ lied over Afghan war
https://www.khaama.com/sigar-us-officials-have-routinely-lied-over-afghan-war-879768763/
“John Sopko, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) told US Congress on Wednesday that US officials have ‘routinely lied’ to the public with exaggerating reports on the Afghan war. Sopko was summoned by the US Congress to talk about the ‘Afghanpapers’ recently published by America’s Washington Post.
“There’s an odor of mendacity throughout the Afghanistan issue.?.?. mendacity and hubris,” Sopko said in testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “The problem is there is a disincentive, really, to tell the truth. We have created an incentive to almost require people to lie.”
As an example, he said that US officials have lied in the past about the number of Afghan children enrolled in schools — a key marker of progress touted by the Obama administration — even though they “knew the data was bad.”
Sopko cited a 2014 agency newsletter, where the then-USAID administrator stated: “Today, 3 million girls and 5 million boys are enrolled in school—compared to just 900,000 when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan,” he said.
The US sent personnel into Afghanistan who did not know the difference between al-Qaeda and Taliban and who lacked any substantive knowledge of Afghan society, Sopko said.
He also said that the abuses committed by coalition-aligned warlords drove many Afghans into the arms of the resurgent Taliban.
“For all the lives and treasure the US and coalition partners have expended in Afghanistan, and for Afghans themselves who have suffered the most from decades of violence, the very least we can do is to learn from our successes and failures,” he said.
“Oversight is mission-critical to any successful reconstruction and development program in Afghanistan,” he added.
He said that in the future, “we need to recognize vital importance of addressing corruption from outset. This means taking into account the amount of assistance the host country can absorb and ensuring that agencies can more effectively monitor assistance.”
“While honesty and transparency are always important, when government agencies overstate the positive and overlook flaws in their methodologies or accountability mechanisms, it has real public policy implications,” he said.
On peace, Spoko said: “We know that a stronger Afghan economy is necessary to last peace and stability, and, without it, US reconstruction efforts are largely unsustainable.”
This comes as according to the reports, Taliban Chief, Mullah Haibadullah Akhund has recently agreed to a 7 to 10 days ‘ceasefire’ to end the deadlock of the peace talks between Taliban and the US delegation.”
Erdogan: Turkey to reach new heights in 2020
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/erdogan-turkey-to-reach-new-heights-in-2020/1704549
“Turkey is all set to reach new heights in 2020 by protecting its rights, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday…”
3 Turkish soldiers martyred in northern Syria
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/3-turkish-soldiers-martyred-in-northern-syria/1705326
“At least three Turkish soldiers were martyred during an anti-terror operation in northern Syria, an official statement said Thursday…”
Over 100 migrants disembark from Sea Watch ship in Taranto
http://www.ansa.it/english/news/2020/01/16/over-100-migrants-disembark-from-sea-watch-ship-in-taranto_aaf84e27-e8e8-4b43-9460-f4ac43be496e.html
“The 119 migrants on board the Sea Watch 3 vessel that had been rescued in recent days in three operations in Maltese waters were disembarked Thursday morning at Taranto’s San Cataldo pier. About 40 of them, unaccompanied minors, were transferred to municipal facilities and the others will be taken to the closest hotspot for identification.
Afterwards they will be moved to national and foreign reception centers, as provided for by the Italian interior ministry. France, Germany, Portugal, and Ireland have said they are willing to take in the asylum seekers. Waiting for the migrants at the pier around 7:30 AM were officials from the prefect’s office and the town council, alongside security forces, the Red Cross, Civil Defense, and volunteer associations. Italy’s anti-migrant, right-wing League party lashed out at the decision to allow them to disembark.
League MP Rossano Sasso said that he had been present during the disembarking and that Italy’s southern Puglia region “is becoming ever more Europe’s refugee camp on the wishes of the Democratic Party (PD) and the 5-Star Movement (M5S), with (Interior Minister Luciana) Lamorgese continuing not to respond to my (request for) a parliamentary interrogation”.”
Tucker: DNC worried about Sanders becoming nominee
LOL. MENTAL ILLNESS
Raids without warrants: Denmark unveils tough new anti-jihadist proposals
https://www.thelocal.dk/20200116/raids-without-warrants-and-children-in-foster-care-these-are-denmarks-tough-new-anti-jihadist-proposals
“The government is to work for tough new laws on citizens convicted of foreign militant activity, but is likely to be challenged by parties to its left.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, along with Minister of Justice Nick Hækkerup and Minister for Immigration and Integration Mattias Tesfaye, were on Thursday scheduled to present the government’s proposals to introduce stricter rules against what it terms “foreign fighters” (fremmedkrigere).
According to reports in Danish media on Thursday, those proposals include a ban on entering Denmark as well as a contact ban for persons convicted of terrorism.
Additionally, the government will be able to give full custody to the non-convicted parent in cases where a parent is convicted as a foreign militant.
This means that, should the proposals become law, police will be able to enter homes without a warrant in order to check compliance with bans against contacting specified individuals.
Kristian Hegaard, spokesperson for justice with the Social Liberal party, a parliamentary ally of the governing Social Democrats, criticized the proposal prior to its official presentation on Thursday.
“This has no place in a country which has the rule of law. Coercive interventions must be approved by a judge based on suspicions,” Hegaard said.
“I am concerned about whether this is a trend we are going to see for more types of crime, where police will be able enter people’s homes without a court warrant,” he continued.
“We must maintain the values we associate with the rule of law. Without exception,” he also said.
The proposal to remove custody from one or both parents convicted of fighting for foreign militant groups has also been criticized by the left.
According to the new proposals, such convictions will allow authorities to give sole custody of children to the non-convicted parent. If both parents are convicted, the child or children will be placed into foster care.
Pernille Skipper, lead political spokesperson with the Red Green Alliance, called this approach wrong.
“If a person is convicted of a serious crime – whether that is foreign militancy or a violent break-in – there is a mechanism for the municipality or experts to assess whether their children are doing okay at home,” Skipper said.
“But to say that a conviction means an automatic forced removal of children from their parents – that has no place in a democratic society,” she said.
Last year, parliament passed a highly-debated, expedited law which enables the immigration minister to revoke without legal process the passports of citizens who have fought for militant groups abroad. Individuals can appeal against the decision through the courts.
All parties on the right voted in favour of the bill, as did the governing Social Democrats. Left-of-centre parties the Social Liberals, Red Green Alliance and Alternative voted against, while the Socialist People’s Party abstained.
The law allows the government to strip passports and rights from Danes who have, for example, fought for militant group Islamic State (Isis) in Syria.
Three people with dual citizenship have had their Danish passports revoked under the law since it came into force.”
Thousands of asylum seekers waiting in streets, makeshift camps around Paris
https://www.france24.com/en/20200115-focus-france-thousands-of-asylum-seekers-still-waiting-in-makeshift-camps-around-paris-1
“After an asylum seekers’ camp in northern Paris was cleared last November, France plans to continue to break up others across the country. Although the number of places in shelters has doubled, with over 108,000 beds available for asylum seekers, makeshift camps are still scattered around the capital’s ring road, where several thousand people are living in squalid conditions. FRANCE 24’s team reports.”
Delaware Republican Party Leader Fired for Blaming Jews for Trump’s Impeachment
A Republican Party leader in Delaware was ousted on Monday for blaming Jews for being behind the impeachment of US President Donald Trump.
https://www.algemeiner.com/2020/01/16/delaware-republican-party-leader-fired-for-blaming-jews-for-trumps-impeachment/
…….
This is good.
Similar comments at the Conservative Treehouse get smothered fast by mainstream fans of PT.
Republicans are all that stand between decency and demonrats. We’re it: we’re tough and strong and American.
Iranian students are as amazing as those amazing Hong Kong kids.
Students at Sanandaj University in Kurdistan Province refusing to take the stairs upon which a large U.S. flag had been painted. January 2020, Iran.
Hillel Neuer @HillelNeuer
Jan 15
Third time this week I’ve seen Iranian citizens overtly refuse to dishonor the U.S. & Israeli flags, defying the diktat of the murderous Ayatollah Khamenei regime. These men and women are the great hope for a Middle East of peace and tolerance. The free world must support them.
https://twitter.com/HillelNeuer/status/1217557614013435905
A protester in Iran risks his life to share his thoughts on the ongoing demonstrations in the Islamic Republic, the killing of Qassem Soleimani, and Israeli PM Netanyahu’s vow to stop Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon
Jewish security group issues guidelines for synagogues on guns, hired guards
As synagogues nationwide debate whether to have armed individuals in their building to prevent possible terror attacks, Jewish groups are stepping up their efforts to safeguard places of worship and other gathering places.
One of those groups, the Secure Community Network, has issued new research and scenarios on who might carry arms in a congregation – from trained law-enforcement personnel to congregational members – and how to keep attendees safe.
Titled “Firearms and the Faithful: Approaches to Armed Security in Jewish Community,” the 24-page white paper was crafted by SCN – the security arm of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. It was written in consultations with security experts, including federal and local law-enforcement officials.…
The paper advises that “an armed guard or armed congregant is not a security strategy or plan on its own. Armed security can be part of a plan, but it is only that – a component. A true security plan includes many other layers and components …”
It also lays out eight points to know before deciding whether or not to have guns in the synagogue, including concerns about legality, training, costs and more.…
Another group, Herut North America, is offering a new guide to help congregations better organize their security efforts. The “Synagogue Security Tool Kit,” HNA said in a press release Thursday, is being offered free of charge to all members of the Jewish community interested in improving security as well as synagogue leaders.…
https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/01/16/jewish-security-group-issues-guidelines-for-synagogues-on-guns-hired-guards/