NEW YORK (January 13, 2025) – The World Jewish Congress (WJC) endorses the launch of a groundbreaking Counter-Terrorism Task Force (CTTF), established to support local law enforcement in investigating the recent coordinated attacks on Jewish community centers in Cape Town, Melbourne, and Montreal in December 2024.
The CTTF brings together world-class counter-terrorism expertise and will enhance community security by reviewing protective measures at Jewish community centers worldwide and recommending improvements to safeguard against future threats.
The CTTF is led by Andre Pienaar, co-founder of South Africa’s elite law enforcement unit, the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), established by Nelson Mandela. The DSO was instrumental in the arrest and extradition to the U.S. of Khalfan Mohamed, one of the Al Qaeda bombers responsible for the U.S. embassy attack in Tanzania. Pienaar has joined the Security Advisory Council of the WJC to align the CTTF’s objectives with the WJC’s mission to protect Jewish communities worldwide.
The CTTF will deploy specialist experts and resources globally and will be directed by global security experts:
Rear Admiral Mike Hewitt, former Deputy Director for Global Operations, Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Department of Defense.
Dean Haydon, former Senior National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism in the United Kingdom and former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) David Tsur, former Commander of the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Israeli Police ("Yamam").
Allen Vine, co-founder of the WJC’s Security Advisory Council, alongside Brad Karp and Andrew Hruska.
Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein of South Africa extended an invitation to the CTTF to visit South Africa, where it will initially publish a report on its findings concerning the recent attacks, in collaboration with the WJC’s Security Advisory Council. This report will include strategic recommendations to enhance the protection of places of worship and community centers from terrorism worldwide.
The CTTF will also conduct in-depth analyses of the recent attacks on synagogues in Melbourne and Montreal in December 2024, as well as the foiled terrorist plots targeting Jewish community centers in Mendoza, Argentina, in August 2024 and the attack in Chicago, United States, in October 2024.
In light of these events, the CTTF urges all communities to remain vigilant, prioritize safety in daily activities, and promptly report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
WJC President Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder emphasized: “The security of Jewish communities worldwide is at stake, and the rise of antisemitism poses a direct threat to every Jewish community. But we are not alone. The Counter-Terrorist Task Force demonstrates that we have allies who understand the gravity of this threat and are committed to taking decisive action against those who spread hatred and terror.”
Andre Pienaar added: “The synchronized nature of the attacks in December across South Africa, Canada, and Australia reflects a coordinated global campaign targeting Jewish community centers and places of worship. This demands a united international response to prevent further attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. The CTTF will work closely with local authorities to support ongoing investigations while assisting communities in strengthening the protection of their centers and places of worship for the future.”
Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein of South Africa released the following video message. Link to Chief Rabbi’s Video Statement.
For any enquiries please contact Stuart Hanson, Ridgely|Walsh: stuart@ridgelywalsh.com
