It appears that hate crimes are on the rise.
On May 11, 2020, it was reported that New York City police had arrested two people for allegedly shouting anti-Semitic slurs at three Hasidic men in Brooklyn. The attackers had tried to rip off the men’s hats and yarmulkes and then began shouting that it was the Jews who were to blame for the spread of coronavirus.
“You’re the reason why we’re getting sick,” one of the suspects allegedly said, according to police.
Unfortunately, this form is not an isolated case.
At a time when overall crime in New York is down nearly 30 percent, hate crimes 
related to COVID-19 have increased. Many of the victims in New York are Jews and Asians.
“Since the beginning of the crisis, there have been numerous reports of Asian Americans being threatened, harassed, or assaulted,” U.S. Rep. Grace Meng of New York said in a press release introducing new legislation to curb hate crimes.
“The pandemic has also fueled a rise in anti-Semitic incidents against the Jewish community and caused concern among members of the LGBTQ community. As a result, these communities, in addition to working to combat the coronavirus, are fighting an additional front—that of hate and injustice.”
As bad as the attack in New York was, what may be even more concerning is the fact that we are likely to see such hate crime incidents increase in the coming months. With so many people unemployed, unable to meet basic living expenses, and unsure if or when they will be rehired or find new employment, social unrest is almost certain.
In this situation, which is being repeated around the globe, people may be more inclined to target people of different ethnic groups and lifestyles, as well as those who are managing to do well and maintain their standard of living. Social unrest will grow and hate crimes will become more prevalent.
As business owners and executives, one question you must ask now is, how long before one of your employees is targeted? And how far up the ladder will these hate crimes go?
Jews, Asians, and members of the LGBTQ community operate businesses in cities and towns throughout the country. In a post-COVID world, many of the corporate executives at these businesses may be personally targeted, whether for their ethnicity or their money. In Durham, North Carolina, for example, a Chinese man was shot and killed in his driveway in April. He owned China Wok, a major Chinese restaurant in the city.
This incident and others tell us that businesses and organizations of all types, large and small, should prepare now to protect themselves in the future. This means reviewing their security strategies to ensure they are up to date and up to the task. This is needed not only for their businesses, but also for their top executives’ health and safety.
To this end, and because hate crimes appear to be on the rise, TAL Global suggests that businesses take the following steps:
Conduct a risk investigation and evaluation. These investigations can be basic or complex. They help determine if there are external or internal threats to a company, its staff, or its top executives.
Decide if executive protection (EP) is necessary. Since they were developed in the early 1970s, EP services have helped protect the security of VIPs, business executives, and high-profile individuals. Sometimes this involves the hiring of 24/7 security guards. But more advanced EP services look for specific or possible risks or threats to an individual and their family. These are proactive steps designed to locate probable or possible risks and threats and prevent them, long before they happen.
Look into loss protection strategies. With many people around the world in difficult financial straits, theft control in stores, hotels, and many other types of businesses will likely be in high demand. An effective loss protection strategy can help minimize thefts and loss, help improve a company’s profitability, and create a healthier environment, where employees and customers feel safe in the workplace.
Work with a professional. TAL Global has partnered with companies and organizations all over the world, helping to help mitigate risk, and ensure employee and executive safety, as well as corporate profitability. In times like this, having an elite, security consulting and risk management firm on your side, is needed more than ever before. Talk to us.
As always, we value your feedback, which helps us shape our perspective on recent events, security, and the services we offer.
Stay safe,
Johnathan Tal
Chief Executive Officer
TAL Global
O: 1-408-993-1300
info@talglobal.net
