Extra Security Measures Taken As B’nai B’rith Workers Return to Jobs

Nearly all of the 150 employees at B’nai B’rith national headquarters here were back at work today, including those who were held hostage by gunmen of the Hanafi Moslem sect who seized the eight-story building last Wednesday morning. Extra security precautions have been taken, however.

An additional armed guard is on duty at the building’s single entrance and all visitors must sign a register in his presence. Security experts are exploring the building with a view to recommending further security measures. Most of the offices, including those severely damaged by the gunmen, are back in use. But repair to the damage, estimated minimally at $250,000, is still going on. Bullet holes are visible in some of the walls and smashed doors, walls and furniture are being repaired or will be replaced. Blood-stained carpeting has been removed and bloodstains have been washed from the walls.

Meanwhile, two specialists from the National Institute of Mental Health will be conducting therapy sessions and group and private observation among employees who may be affected by the trauma of last week’s events. A B’nai B’rith spokesman said that project may not be completed for years.

The specialists were present at a meeting of B’nai B’rith employees at the Mayflower Hotel this morning. They were addressed by B’nai B’rith president David Blumberg and executive vice-president Daniel Thursz. Both officials lauded the employees for their courage under severe stress and reassured them about the security measures being taken. The employees were told that they could resume their work at a pace commensurate with their personal psychological and physical conditions. Only a few failed to report for work today. At least one employee is still hospitalized.