Security Update from the WJC President

Chaverim (friends),

Welcome back to another school year and holiday season.  I am excited that WJC’s plans for welcoming 5785 are well underway and looking forward to seeing all of you.

Our theme for the high holidays is one of Tikva (hope).   In addition to this being a time full of hope, it is also a time of heightened awareness and caution.  I am writing to you today to share some important changes we are making to WJC’s security protocols.

Before we begin, it’s helpful to clarify some limits of what I can reveal.  WJC’s security is a serious matter, and our security policy is some of the most carefully guarded confidential information we have.  I will do my best to inform you, while not disclosing specifics that need to remain under wraps.   Also, a discussion of security cannot exist without touching on some sensitive topics.

Okay, you are forewarned.

Let’s start by turning the clock back to October 7th.  But not the October 7th you are thinking of.  It was actually, ironically, October 7, 2019 that a task-force authorized by WJC trustees made recommendations to the WJC Officers to enhance our security protocols.  The goal of those improvements were outlined in four areas:
How do we present an external image of significant security to cause a potential assailant to look/plan elsewhere?  (DETERRENCE)
How do we build confidence in our congregants that security is strong, without creating unnecessary risk or inconvenience? (CONFIDENCE)
How do we prepare for a potential incident to provide the most time for the authorities to assist? (RESPONSE)
Do any of the protocols being considered increase the risk of harm?  (RISK)

I am pleased that since 2019, virtually all of the recommended improvements have been put in-place.  These were overseen by our security committee and implemented by our staff and contractors. They included:
Greater coordination with the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department.  As usual, we have a substantial security plan for the High-Holidays, and you will see uniformed police officers again at our services this year.
Improved integration with SCN (Security Community Network) to provide ongoing threat assessments to the WJC security team.
Expanding the perimeter and increasing deterrence by broadening the number of trained, uniformed professionals and armed agents at key times outside the building.
Reducing risk in school dismissal protocols, outdoor activities and other operational areas.
Installation of external bollards to prevent vehicle attacks, reducing vegetation blind spots and completely replacing and enhancing our camera systems.

Due to the recent uptick in antisemitism and extreme rhetoric in the upcoming election season, WJC’s security committee has recommended some additional enhancements to our policies.  These changes  were authorized on an interim basis by our officers and will be reviewed by Trustees at the October meeting.  Although the changes in protocols may not be highly visible, in the coming weeks you may see some new faces of security officers around our building.   Please welcome them, they are here to help protect us.

I’d like to once again thank Mark Berger, Jose Fonseca and David Goldstein and the entire Security Committee for their tenacious leadership and guidance in keeping our WJC family safe.

Wishing you a safe, healthy and happy 5785

L’hitraot (see you soon)

Larry