ADL strategies for staying safe during the High Holy Days… and all year long

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The High Holy Days are a time for family and celebration, for joyous moments and quiet reflection. While most who attend events and services will be focused on the holidays themselves, this is also a good time to reassess security procedures in synagogues and other Jewish institutions. 

 

No Jewish community can afford to ignore the impact of anti-Semitism or the potential for anti-Semitic violence and vandalism. In the last year alone, ADL New England has responded to a number of troubling incidents impacting Jewish communities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including vandalism at three synagogues in the span of one week.

Since our founding in 1913, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has been helping Jewish institutions improve security by offering a range of resources and training opportunities. With this in mind, here are a few best practices to help keep Jewish communities safe this High Holy Day season and beyond:

Develop a security plan:  Create a plan that’s easy to follow and easy to remember so that ushers and staff will know how to respond in the event of a security problem. Regularly review these plans with staff and lay leadership to ensure that each person is familiar with your institution’s protocols and their individual role in case of an emergency.

Establish easy-to-follow building-access policies: Be aware of who’s coming and going –  few people would leave their homes open and unattended, and the same should apply to Jewish institutions. Limiting the number of entrances is also a good idea and it helps to ensure that everyone who comes into the building will be greeted and seen. Surveillance cameras, well-placed lighting and an alarm system can serve as deterrents and demonstrate your commitment to providing a safe and secure environment.

Keep an eye out for suspicious activity: Quickly report any concerns to security personnel or the police. Ushers and others helping to run your High Holy Day events know your building and community and are therefore most likely to spot something “out of place.” The ADL’s “Guide to Detecting Surveillance of Jewish Institutions” is a great resource (online at adl.org/security) to share with staff and lay leaders. Remember to trust your instincts – if something seems “wrong” or “out of place,” err on the side of caution and report it to the appropriate authorities.

Take online security seriously: When it comes to publishing calendars, photos or contact information for individuals online, protecting your privacy and your data should be taken into consideration. ADL’s community security website also offers guidelines for digital and online security, including ways to protect the privacy of individuals and how to respond to threatening emails and hacking incidents.

Establish a good relationship with your local police department: This should be a top priority – after all, it’s always better to establish a relationship with the people you need before you need them. By reaching out, you’ll get to know the people who keep your community safe and have an opportunity to inform them about your High Holy Day schedule and events. For community leaders who would like assistance in reaching out to their local police department, ADL can help make these connections.

Finally, security does not start and end with the High Holy Days – it should be a year-round effort that engages all members of the community.

Occasionally, we hear concerns from synagogue leaders that increased security may be off-putting to some. However, given today’s climate, ignoring the threats that exist to religious institutions is simply not an option. Taking action to better secure your Jewish institution sends a clear and powerful message that community leaders take the safety of their members seriously.

By establishing clear internal procedures, developing a strong relationship with local law enforcement, and increasing awareness of who is coming and going from the building, Jewish institutions can strike a balance that will allow these spaces and events to be both welcoming and secure.

DANIEL E. LEVENSON is associate regional director of ADL New England. To report an anti-Semitic or hate incident, go to adl.org/incident. For more information on Jewish Communal Security in the New England Region, contact ADL New England at 617-406-6382.

opinion, ADL, High Holy Days