By Zalman Myer-Smith
Antisemitism feels relentless. From in-person verbal harassment to coordinated online smear campaigns, from Molotov cocktail attacks in Colorado to the double murder of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C.—the threats are real, diverse, and dangerous.
These dangers are not going away. If anything, the risk is increasing. That’s why now—before our children return to school and as we prepare for the busy month of Tishrei, when shuls are filled for the High Holidays—is the time to reassess and strengthen our security posture.
No system is perfect, and every system can be improved. Security is no longer optional—it’s a necessary part of an organization’s operations and budget. Your goal must be twofold: slow down an attacker’s progress and speed up your response. Relying solely on a 911 call can be fatal in the first moments of an emergency, whether it’s a violent incident or a medical crisis. That’s why learning CPR, AED use, and “Stop the Bleed” is just as important as physical security measures.
If, G-d forbid, there is an active shooter on your campus, it means your preventative measures have already failed. The question then becomes: how will you neutralize the threat? Leaders must face this scenario now—not after tragedy strikes.
The October 7th massacre was a sobering reminder of how catastrophic a security failure can be. While the threat environment is challenging, there are concrete steps you can take today to better protect your school, shul, or community site.
Action Steps for a Stronger Security Posture.
1. Get a Professional Security Assessment
Bring in a qualified security professional, your local police department, or a respected private security firm to evaluate your vulnerabilities and give specific recommendations.
2. Create a Comprehensive Security Plan
Plan for multiple scenarios: active shooters, disruptive individuals with mental health challenges, disputes involving divorced parents, theft, and more. For each threat, have clear, practical protocols in place. Train and drill staff regularly so responses are second nature.
3. Build Relationships with Law Enforcement
Invite police to tour your facility before school starts or before Tishrei. Offer coffee, refreshments, and a warm welcome. Provide them with site maps, floor plans, and—stored securely offsite—video walk-throughs that can be used during a security emergency.
4. Hire Qualified Security Personnel
Ensure guards are licensed and insured. Verify credentials every six months. Request the security company’s insurance certificates—these protect your institution from liability during an incident.
5. Use Trained Greeters and Screeners
Station trained personnel at entrances and on your perimeter to welcome attendees, observe behavior, and identify potential threats before they reach the main area.
6. Equip for Emergencies
Stock your facility with AEDs, Stop the Bleed kits, and fire extinguishers. Check them regularly.
7. Organize Security Volunteers
If permitted, arm only those who are trained, insured, and screened by an independent security professional. Watching YouTube videos, bragging about weapons and mediocre visits to the range without an instructor or real life scenario training is not acceptable training.
8. Maintain Your Systems
Before every service or event, check cameras, doors, locks, and lighting & do a walk around the perimeter looking for suspicious activity, items or persons.
9. Strengthen Communications
Have a Public Address system for alerts, radios for internal coordination, and a dedicated phone for 911 calls.
10. Lockdown Capability
Ensure you can quickly secure all entry points.Solid manual lockdown devices are very effective.
11. Screen Vehicles and Visitors
Identify people and vehicles before they enter campus. Use a cheap yet effective vehicle decal system. Once a threat is onsite the situation gets more challenging. If in doubt, keep them out.
12. External Patrols
Schedule patrols before, during, and after school or services.
13. Seek Security Grants
Apply for state and Department of Homeland Security security grants to help fund your measures.
We must do our part, but ultimately, protection comes from HaShem. Check your mezuzahs and pray for safety—while building the strongest defenses possible.
For a free consultation, visit www.UnitedCommunityGrants.com or contact me directly at [email protected]
Zalman and his team at United Community Grants helped me get a security grant for my shul. They are the best!
Zalman and his team are truly the best of the best
In addition, chodesh Elul is upon us.
It is imperative that all institutions check their mezuzahs, & see to it that it is properly affixed, in all required areas.
Ofc our personal residences, & place of wk as well.
It is a directive of the Rebbe for all inyanim. gezunt, parnossa, unwanted chaloimos, anxiety etc.
It is not so convenient, but well worth being proactive.
Zeit alle gezunt un shtark!
Ksiva vechasima tova, Leshona tova umesuka.