The controversy over having proper shul security ended once the shooting at Chabad of Poway, California happened some 3 months ago.
The more time passes following an incident, the easier it is to be forgotten. Such was the case regarding the tragedy in Mumbai. Let us daven and trust in Hashem but also be prepared in every possible way.
It’s a hard truth which is difficult for most of us to deal with. Even a Chabad shul may be a target.
We must be prepared, but how? Yakov avinu, Moshe Rabeinu and Dovid hamelech were all great generals/leaders and had to prepare for war, in the literal sense. There is no need for the intention to become a great leader or search for one, we simply need to step up to the task. Very simply, it’s a state of mind. Don’t be naive, be aware. Look around while walking down the street being able to identify a suspicious person before they randomly attack a fellow yid on the streets of Crown Heights or North Miami Beach. YOU are the first available person in your immediate area to be able to notice and handle a situation.
But what if Shuls don’t have the funds or training.
Yitzy Kasowitz of S. Paul, Minnesota has been tasked with the impossible: Establish security and security protocols with a budget of zero. He has been involved with and teaching martial arts (self-defense) plus cyber & premises security for close to thirty years.
Shortly after the shooting in Powey California, he was given authority by Rabbi Asher Zeilengold to secure the community shul, Adath Israel. During the weekday, Yitzy creates Jewish-themed LEGO building sets and even goes on tour teaching about the Beis HaMikdash with his scale model based on Rambam, (visit jbrick.com for info). On Shabbos, he can be seen at the shul’s front door in full uniform, badge, gun and all.
What he has done may be an example for other shuls to begin with on a very low budget.
Here are some of his recommendations based on what he’s done:
Hook or screw high but near main and secondary entrances from which hang an emergency flashlight and bullhorn (which includes a siren). These should be marked as such with a magic marker and strictly adhered to. (Amazon bullhorn $10. Set of two flashlights $10)
Dedicate a personal vehicle (which is in good shape) at least over Shabbos, Yomim Tovim and events to have security car magnets placed on them. (Local print shop $20 per custom car magnet, $25 for artwork)
Amber car mini bar light for “security vehicle”. (Amazon $36)
Stickers/signs indicating building premises in under video/audio surveillance. (set of 4 on amazon $5)
Aquire and hang (2 screws) a decent sized wall mounted First Aid kit. (Amazon $60)
Arlo Pro home security system with 3 cameras (more may be added). (Amazon $300)
Change the shul’s locks (keys and combinations)
Aside from donations from your own community, you may be able to reach out to your local Jewish Federation explaining the urgent circumstance. Per county, district or state there will also be a number of government and private trusts available to give limited grants. There should be a local website with a lengthy list.
Call local law enforcement for a walkthrough of your facility with recommendations.
Call local fire departments to see if they would give a CPR class with a focus on Trauma. They often give free classes for minority communities. They will even do separate mens/womens classes simultaneously.
Call local hospitals and EMT training programs to see if an emergency trauma bag can be donated.
Apply to Homeland Security for a grant. New as of 2019, they may now begin additionally paying for a security guard.
Purchase tourniquets and Israeli bandages for stoping and packing major wounds. (Amazon $10+ each)
As budget allows, purchase a full EMT response kit with extra tourniquets and trauma bandages. Install a shelf for ease of access but out of children’s reach.
Acquire an AED if possible and install an appropriate box or shelf with ease of access.
Consider hiring an off duty police officer or security guard for Yomim Tovim.
Neon yellow “SECURITY” vests may be great for the community & emergency professionals to easily identify-able. (Amazon $15 for 3)
Unless you have a professionally trained volunteer who can be a proper security guard, you’re looking at a minimum of a four hour Shabbos day guard at 25-75 an hour. It adds up quick so good luck with that unless you are able to acquire funds for it.
All doors shall be closed & locked at all times. There should be one primary entrance. Children or anyone loitering outside does so at their own risk even if monitored.
Large boulders may be used as a replacement of concrete-filled metal posts to prevent an explosive loaded vehicle from ramming the building. Although it may be an eyesore, a privacy fence may be a proper deterrent based on location.
Out of all the members of the community, we can all participate in one way or another. Donate, arrange a First Aid/CPR class, go to the class, volunteer to watch the windows or doors, volunteer to bring your phone and make the call in the event of an emergency. Donate batteries for the flashlights, etc.
It is more advisable to have 100 people with proper training & without guns than 100 people with guns and inadequate training. It is a huge responsibility and the repercussions of lack of training may be disastrous.
We all wear seat belts just in case, not just because it’s the law. Airbags also help as well as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, locks and knowing how to swim. Learning martial arts does not mean you should get into a fight, exactly the opposite. Training and being prepared is better safe than sorry.
Remember, there can only be one or the other; convenience or security. It is nearly impossible to have both. You will not necessarily be able to convince the entire community of the benefits of the changes. Feedback from both sides is inevitable but the general senses will appreciate the challenges of keeping the community safe. It doesn’t take long to get used to. Consult with other rabbis, communities and security professionals.
May we never have to use any such security measures. With hopes that Moshiach will be revealed and all suffering ended immediately!
Extremely practical and accessible advice.
Don’t just read it; put everything in place and hopefully you will never have to use it.
Thanks Yitzy
Why cant some of these recommendations be followed in 770?
I really hope Shuls aND chabad houses and jewish centers of any kind take at least these minimal precautions.
Thank you for making it practical
Visit NDFTraining.com and book an audit with them! They work with many many Chabad houses and you can get them for free when you use your grant.
I’m a shliach who got the full service from them (for free) and I’m very very satisfied with their professionalism and their service.
Reach out to them. It’s worth it
Zrico
Proud of you Yitzi👍
Morah
I know him he is a great guy, creative but very practical. Minnesota’s finest
This is my recommendation. This is not a one man show such as the other site mentioned. TheCSO.org is a well run team with top notch professionalism and years of experience in the US, United Kingdom and Israel. In Florida alone, they are THE security for the largest Chabad school as well as numerous other Jewish institutions. As a matter of fact, I am so impressed with them that I have decided to join the CSO team. They have graciously offered me a position and I’m thrilled to assist them in helping the Jewish community at large. Thank you all… Read more »