Following the tragic events at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jewish institutions across the globe have been looking at potential measures to increase their security.
TABC is no different, and there has been much debate within the administration regarding what security procedures should be changed or updated to address the growing concern of attacks against both schools and Jewish establishments.
On Shabbos, October 27th, 2018, Robert Gregory Bowers entered the Tree of Life Synagogue during Shacharit and carried out the largest Jewish killing ever in the United States.
People from all denominations of Judaism were horrified, and, although this violence is not new, many organizations sought to prevent such a massacre from ever occurring again on American soil.
Anti-Semitic attacks have risen dramatically in the United States since 2016. According to FBI hate-crime statistics, over half of religiously motivated attacks in 2016 targeted Jews.
The Anti-Defamation League, an advocacy group for Jews and those targeted by discrimination, stated there was a 60% surge in anti-Semitic hate crimes during 2017, in addition to the 35% increase from 2015 to 2016.
With all these threats abound, taking proper measures has never been more imperative. TABC is keener than ever to keep its students safe. The administration has discussed many possible actions, with some to be implemented soon.
Shortly after the tragedy in Pittsburg, Head of School Rabbi Asher Yablok held a meeting with the school board to address possible areas where TABC could improve its security. “It's unfortunate that we live in times where we must be this vigilant,” Rabbi Yablok said.
In fact, the school has been working with consultants to figure out the best practices for school security for many years now. TABC has had several audits conducted by security professionals who investigated the school and reported on possible weaknesses.
Rabbi Yablok showed me the most recent report, a thorough evaluation that considered every element of our school’s safety. These past reports have already brought changes to the school, including the installation of blast-proof windows and rocks surrounding the school (in the event of a car trying to drive into the building).
The most recent audit suggested getting better security cameras, a second security guard, and reviewing protocol for entering and exiting the building.
Rabbi Yablok commented on the importance of this last initiative. “I love the culture at TABC,” Rabbi Yablok said, “but people just walking in and out of the building as a security issue was definitely the biggest takeaway from Pittsburg.”
Although there are codes in place to open the doors to the school, everyone seems to just make use of a few of them that are easy to remember. Rabbi Yablok added that, no matter how well intentioned, “just holding the door open for someone can be dangerous”.
If someone looks stereotypically Jewish, it’s very easy to gain entry to the building. The school hopes to address in the very near future.
The administration is also thinking seriously about hiring a security guard for the entrance by the main office.
Also being debated is where to best position the current security guard. At the present place near the entrance, Rabbi Yablok said, “a person is admitted before it can be assessed whether they’re a threat.”
One solution being considered is to place the guard in the area between the two doors, where a threat can be stopped before entering the building. Students may see this change coming in the months ahead.
Rabbi Yablok said that the most immediate changes will definitely be adding a second security guard in conjunction with a change in policy regarding entering the building. Rabbi Yablok said that, in order for our school to be safe, students must “be respectful of the protocols for our safety”, regardless of what they may personally think or believe is the best course of action.
When conducting interviews for this article, I found that the majority of students I talked to already felt safe inside the building. Junior Ezra Baron commented, “I never really come in to school worried about a potential shooting or anything like that.”
However, most students also said they appreciate and respect TABC’s efforts to keep it’s safety up to code with the best possible tools available.
When asked about any other potential changes the school should consider, Junior Eitan Leitner suggested that “having better cameras would definitely [make me] feel a bit safer.” Other students also agreed with this sentiment.
Rabbi Yablok told me that updating security cameras has been considered. The school needs to figure out pricing for the more immediate implementations before this change will be made.
Rest assured, no matter what events transpire around the United States in any kind of institutions, TABC is always doing all it can to keep its faculty and student body safe. That commitment has become stronger than ever following the tragedy in Pittsburg.