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Shavua Tov

11/30/2023 09:42:11 AM

Nov30

Stacey

This past Monday we hosted a community wide panel on security organized by Jordan Kadosh, our member and the Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League. Jay Greenberg, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Field Office for the FBI, Sayler Flemming, United States Attorney and Scott Biondo, Community Security Director for the St. Louis Jewish Federation spoke to about 100 attendees to update us on security and threats in our area. My takeaways from the information they provided are:
  • There are no credible threats in our community targeting our institutions.
  • Jay, Sayler and Scott talk daily to keep each other informed about what they hear and any concerns they have.
  • The police departments, with the police chiefs from Clayton, Ladue, Creve Coeur and University City in attendance, are also in daily communication with each other, Scott and our State and Federal law enforcement.
  • I noted that the synagogue executive directors get updates from Scott and our local police departments. We make adjustments to our security protocols based on the information they provide.
  • Sayler discussed the fine line between free speech and a hate crime. A person may post something we see as horrible and frightening on social media or carry a sign at a rally that we see as threatening but if they do not specially make a threat with the intent to act on the threat it is not a hate crime, it is free speech.
  • If there is a protest by people you do not agree with – stay away, do not counter protest. That is what can elevate a peaceful protest to acts of violence.
  • Many attendees asked about personal safety. Jay and Scott emphasized the importance of being aware of your surroundings, making thoughtful decisions about where you are going and to look for exits when you enter a building.
  • Everyone on the panel welcomed hearing about concerns in the community and said to e-mail or call if you hear something, see something, or receive an e-mail or social media post that is threatening. Let them know so they can check it out and keep a record of anyone they see as a potential threat. The panels contact information is:
  • The FBI provided a handout on hate crime - available here.
Last week Cindy Kalachek, Director of KoREH, attended a workshop for teachers on talking to kids about having conversations in times of crisis led by the Director of Education at the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Cindy has some key points from the presentation:
  • Understand the source of the news you read. Focus on credible news outlets.
  • Encourage your kids to unplug from social media and to not share or repost disturbing content.
  • Help your kids understand the difference between criticizing a government and criticizing people.
  • Help your kids understand antisemitism and islamophobia.
Parents, if you have questions and concerns on how to talk to your kids about current issues, please contact Cindy or Rabbi Arnow.
This week the staff held a security training session with Cpl. Jennifer Schwartz of the Clayton police department. We reviewed overall security practices and walked the building to review what to do and where to go in different situations. Jenny provided some recommendations of things we can do to enhance security within the building that we will implement.
We are scheduling security training open to the entire congregation after the first of the year. Please watch the website and Wednesday e-mail in the coming weeks for details.

 

Wed, May 1 2024 23 Nisan 5784