As a small town, West Hempstead takes security seriously. A decade ago, various synagogues began hiring retired police officers to stand guard. Then the Community Security Service (CSS), a national organization, began enrolling congregations in serious training programs for threat assessment and protection. (see video and images below)
Today, under increasing threat of anti-Semitic violence (two people were recently charged in New York City with posing an armed threat against area synagogues) hundreds of volunteers are now supplementing licensed guards and supported by Homeland Security Grants. These security efforts have led West Hempstead to becoming one of the most extensive and technologically advanced Jewish neighborhoods in the nation.
This weekend, the local CSS leadership held the latest in a series of hands-on training sessions at Chabad of West Hempstead, with an active shooter drill practicing the physical restraining of an armed suspect.
“The active shooter/attacker simulation drill we ran Dec 11 is part of an ongoing program that integrates many skill sets in defense of our place of worship,” said Seth Speiser, a CSS team leader. “We regularly train and coordinate in conjunction with other local places of worship. This specific training and drill was led by Avi Abram from NY Self Defense Academy – Active Krav Maga. As with all drills, we upped our game and identified areas to improve but overall it was very successful. Our team confidently disarmed and controlled multiple attackers under pressure.”
Speiser added, “I applaud all the members of our synagogues for their tireless efforts but I would appeal (not for money!) for others to join, especially the younger more able members.”
