CMT

The Crisis Management Team (CMT) is responsible for crisis management and is the organization within the Jewish communities in the Nordics that handles major crises.

We define a crisis when the daily resources are not sufficient to manage the situation faced by the Jewish communities or other Jewish organizations in the Nordic countries

Crisis preparedness works across all Jewish communities, organizations, and associations. We work together with everyone, and the organization consists of both Jews and non-Jews.

Whats the purpose?

The goal of crisis management is to return Nordic Jews to the situation they were in before the crisis occurred, or to an improved situation.

We achieve this by activating a wide network of resources, from psychologists to individuals who can distribute food. Each part is equally important, and every player has a significant role.

Figuratively speaking, one could talk about a safety net being stretched out beneath Nordic Jews.

Why?

Authorities exist for all Nordics, including Nordic Jews, but it is not the responsibility of Nordic authorities to ensure the existence of a Jewish communities. It is only ourselves who can take care of this.

We usually say that the authorities help us survive, but they do not make us survive. What does this mean in practice?

It means that the authorities will provide the support they would provide to any other Nordics facing a crisis. But as a community, a Jewish community, we can do so much more than that and help each other. We have access to an enormous amount of resources that are incredibly valuable. Everything from academic resources on how to communicate with people in crisis to resources related to delivering food or providing social care and support to those affected by a crisis. Both are equally valuable.

Who?

The core of the organization is the leadership of the Jewish Central Council and/or the local communities leadership group, but it also includes relevant management functions at the affected institution/organization, such as a school’s management and board. This is because the organization cannot make decisions for another directly affected community/organization. The management of crisis work is therefore dynamic in relation to the crisis it is intended to address.

Additionally, the crisis preparedness organization consists of several professional groups. These include individuals who are typically psychologists, lawyers, communication experts, logistics coordinators, etc., who, when needed, serve as resources for crisis management and help Nordic Jews return to a normal state.