Chabad representatives warned to be on ‘high alert’ after Soleimani killing
Email sent out to Jewish emissaries around the world telling them centres may become targets of retaliation by Iran
Chabad emissaries around the world have been warned to be on “high alert” in the wake of the assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
The Chabad-Lubavitch Security Commission, in an email dated Jan.2, warned that Chabad centres could be targets of retaliation by the Islamic Republic.
The email, published on a website for Chabad emissaries, was sent the same day as the U.S. airstrike that killed Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Quds Force, which supports a number of regional militias and is allied with terrorist groups targeting Israel, including Hezbollah and Hamas.
“Soleimani’s death will likely mark a major escalation in a simmering conflict between the U.S. and Iran and there is a strong likelihood that Iran will retaliate whether directly or indirectly. Although there is no information at this time to suggest a direct threat to Chabad centres as a result of this escalation, as in past conflicts, there exists a concern that the current situation and tensions could contribute to a heightened risk and threat environment for Jewish facilities and Chabad centres,” the email said.
The risk of such attacks “may be exacerbated should military action escalate in coming days and weeks,” it added.
The message urges emissaries “to maintain a heightened awareness when out in public and in and around your Chabad House. Report any suspicious behaviour or activity to the nearest law enforcement personnel.”
The Chabad security commission was established in the wake of the 2008 attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai, which left 6 dead, including Chabad emissaries Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg. The Chabad House was among 12 targeted locations in coordinated attacks by Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamic terrorist organisation based in Pakistan.
Some 4,900 Chabad-Lubavitch emissary families operate 3,500 Chabad institutions in 100 countries and territories.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
