Worldwide Coalition Forms to Combat Rising Threats Against Jewish Community Centers

Launch of a New Counter-Terrorist Initiative

On January 13, 2025, a pivotal international initiative, the Counter Terrorist Task Force (CTTF), was unveiled in Washington D.C. The formation of this task force comes in direct response to a spate of violent attacks targeting Jewish community centers across the globe, including an incident in Cape Town, South Africa, in December 2024.

The CTTF, under the leadership of Andre Pienaar, co-founder of South Africa's Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), aims to bolster local law enforcement efforts and enhance community safety worldwide. Pienaar is renowned for his significant role in high-profile anti-terror operations, including the extradition of an Al Qaeda operative involved in attacks on US diplomatic missions.

This multi-national effort emphasizes collaboration with security experts from various countries. Notable members include Rear Admiral Mike Hewitt, former Deputy Director for Global Operations at the U.S. Defense Department; Dean Haydon, ex-Senior National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism in the UK; and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) David Tsur, who led Israel’s elite counter-terror unit, Yamam.

The CTTF is set to publish an initial report detailing findings from the South African incident, with an accompanying strategy for enhancing protective security at Jewish facilities internationally. The task force will also address additional assailants targeting Jewish communities, including attacks that occurred in Montreal and Melbourne during the same month.

In light of these alarming developments, the CTTF emphasizes the need for communities to remain vigilant. Pienaar stated, "The synchronicity of these attacks hints at a broader, coordinated campaign against Jewish institutions that demands a robust international response. We are committed to supporting local authorities as they investigate these incidents and to enhancing protective measures in community centers and places of worship across the globe."

The CTTF will also review attacks that have recently impacted Jewish congregations in Mendoza, Argentina, and Chicago, providing a comprehensive approach to analyzing threats and crafting preventative strategies.

This bold initiative aims to foster a safer environment for Jewish families and communities everywhere. The creation of the CTTF stands as a testament to global solidarity in the face of terrorism, underscoring a commitment to justice and security in an increasingly perilous world.

As the task force moves forward, it remains crucial for community members to stay alert and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies promptly. The CTTF's formation is a step towards proactive security and reassurance for all who attend these centers, paving the way for a collaborative approach to defeating the threat of terrorism against vulnerable communities.