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Security measures and preparation at places of worship can no longer be an afterthought, says CSUSB counterterrorism expertCBC (Canada)May 2, 2019 After attacks on synagogues in Poway on April 27 and in Pittsburgh in October, a modern Jewish temple in some U.S. cities today and it might bear some of the hallmarks of a high-tech fortress. Jewish leaders are on edge about extremist violence, citing a divisive political climate, the spread of online anti-Semitic speech, and a record number of hate groups operating in the U.S. Security measures and preparation for acts of violence can't be an afterthought, said Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. 'Security — gotta have it. Gotta have it yesterday,' Levin said. 'Every police agency should have every house of worship's blueprint on computer, with consultations and security plans.' Read the complete article at “'Run, hide, fight': A grim creed for U.S. synagogues as extremist attacks rise.”
CSUSB professor describes ‘conspiratorial world of extremists’ as they spread anti-Semitism Fox 11 News Los AngelesMay 1, 2019 In its continuing coverage of the April 27 Poway synagogue shooting, the newscast had a report on growing anti-Semitism that included an interview with Brian Levin, director of CSUSB’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism. The report said the Poway shooting suspect and the man accused a plot to bomb a Long Beach rally on April 28 were radicalized on internet sites that allow anonymous posting – “a disturbing trend” say experts like Levin. “Unfortunately, Jews are regarded in this conspiratorial world of extremists as (the) people responsible for letting in immigrants and also, Jews are responsible for controlling society,” Levin said. “So when we have this fragmented, conspiratorial subculture out there, Jews are oftentimes going to be the first stop on that hate train.” Levin’s interview is toward the end of the segment, KTTV-LA (FOX) — FOX 11 News at Ten.
CSUSB expert on extremism contributes to glossary of groups and ideologies mentioned in the newsKPAX 8 (Missoula, Mont.)/CNNMay 2, 2019 The online news site published a glossary explaining the different groups and ideologies mentioned in recent news stories, from the antifa to white nationalists. Brian Levin, director of CSUSB’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, helped define the antifa, or anti-fascist ideology: “The term is used to define a broad group of people whose political beliefs lean toward the left — often the far left — but do not conform with the Democratic Party platform. Antifa activists feel the need to get violent because ‘they believe that elites are controlling the government and the media. So they need to make a statement head-on against the people who they regard as racist,’ said Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. “‘There’s this “It’s going down” mentality and this “Hit them with your boots”’ mentality that goes back many decades,’ he said.” Read the complete article at “Antifa? White nationalist? A glossary for the current political climate.”
These news clips and others may be viewed at “In the Headlines” at inside.csusb.edu.