Synagogues Boost Security in Response to Shooting

Synagogues Boost Security in Response to Shooting

Synagogues across the country are reexamining and boosting their security procedures following a deadly shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue during Shabbat services Saturday morning.

Synagogues across the country are reexamining and boosting their security procedures following a deadly shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue during Shabbat services Saturday morning. During the attack, which left 11 dead and six wounded, the gunman allegedly yelled anti-Semitic statements.

In Huntsville, Alabama, the Temple B’nai Sholom safety committee met at their temple on Sunday to reexamine their safety plan. The temple’s president, Ann Vanleeuwen, said that the temple’s long-held security plan is constantly evolving. She said the security committee had Huntsville police officers and firefighters walk through their building to help evaluate their initial safety plan and are prepared to ask for the same assistance again if necessary.

According to Vanleeuwen, the temple has video surveillance inside and outside of the building, as well as locks on all the doors. She said the security committee is developing a plan to make sure the congregation knows how to evacuate in an emergency.

Temple Beth Am in Seattle has a security plan in place that includes protecting their religious school. In order to protect their plan, Rabbi Ruth Zlotnick didn’t divulge specific details, but she said their security measures include guards and a secured perimeter.

“We take it seriously, because every life is priceless, every life is precious,” she said.

In New York, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Brighton and Rochester Police Departments increased patrols around local synagogues and Jewish centers. Law enforcement patrolled the area around Rochester’s Temple Beth El during evening services on Saturday. Temple Beth El’s Executive Director Debbie Zeger said the temple has had security measures in place for many years.

“We already have a very detailed security plan at Temple Beth El,” Zeger said. “We always have security guards on staff if we have an event or service and sometimes in between. Our doors are kept locked and we buzz people in and we have other precautions.”

Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, has been implementing recommended security measures for many years, said Rabbi Mark Miller, senior rabbi. The temple’s worshippers are greeted by helpful security personnel who work with an electronic entry system. The temple also uses special staff training, equipment and security technology.

Despite the anti-Semitic attack on Saturday, Rabbi Eric Berk of Huntsville’s Temple B’nai Sholom said he wants to keep the temple doors open and welcome any who want to learn and worship.

"We ought not to live our lives in fear,” Berk said. “There are, I'd like to believe, more people that accept us than those who hate us.”

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Report Reveals Security Training Reduces Global Phishing Click Rates by 86%

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its “Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report 2025” which measures an organization’s Phish-prone Percentage (PPP) — the percentage of employees likely to fall for social engineering or phishing attacks, indicating the organization’s overall susceptibility to phishing threats. This year’s report found a global average baseline PPP of 33.1%, meaning a third of employees interact with phishing simulations before taking part in best-practice security awareness training (SAT).COVER 2025-PIB-NA-Report_EN-US Read Now

  • TSA Begins REAL ID Full Enforcement Today

    Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the imminent implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Read Now

  • Body-Worn Cameras on the Rise

    On the evening of Oct. 29, 2024, the owner of 300 Guard based in Houston, was shot while on duty at a convenience store. He returned fire. He was wearing a plated vest and thankfully recovered in the hospital. Read Now

  • Brazil Port Enhances Surveillance and Supports Wildlife Conservation with Sustainable Technology

    Ferroport, which operates the iron ore terminal at the Port of Açu in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has deployed state-of-the-art video surveillance cameras from Axis Communications to enhance nighttime security and visibility, while decreasing environmental impact and prioritizing sustainability. With cutting-edge technology, the port now has precise surveillance cameras that capture high-quality nighttime images, while reducing the amount of artificial lighting that negatively impacts the surrounding ecosystem. Read Now

  • Fast-Forward from 1,000 B.C.E. to Today

    The lock and key have been around since time immemorial. In fact, the locksmith profession is one of the oldest in the world when you consider the earliest wooden tumbler lock debuted three-plus millennia ago. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.