Since their inception, Jewish communities have been the target of prejudice and persecution throughout the world. While we may wish these acts did not occur in the US, the reality is a growing minority of people still harbor ill will towards the Jewish community. Even more worrisome, antisemitism is on the rise with harassment, vandalism, and attacks against Jewish individuals becoming more prevalent in recent years. While law enforcement does its best to address these issues, officers cannot prevent these acts from occurring, only respond to them. The Jewish community, now more than ever, needs to take its security into its own hands. Employing the use of competent, professional, and specialized armed security is the most effective way to drastically reduce risk.

Jewish communities in the US are a vulnerable minority. Antisemitism has been on an upward trajectory ever since recording began and is showing no signs of slowing down. According to the ADL, in 2021, there were a total of 2,717 antisemitic incidents in the US, a 34% increase from 2020, and the highest number ever recorded since 1979. These incidents encompass everything from harassment and vandalism to threats and attacks. The majority of these incidents take place at Jewish community centers and Jewish-run businesses.

Many in the Jewish community are no doubt familiar with the Colleyville Beth Israel synagogue hostage crisis in Texas that occurred in January of this year. Four people were taken hostage during a Sabbath service by a British-Pakistani man armed with a handgun. The man had pretended to be homeless and seeking shelter and was subsequently let in by the Rabbi. Miraculously, one hostage was released and the other three were able to make an escape many hours later. Nobody but the hostage taker was hurt.

It’s important to know that while law enforcement responded to the first 911 call within a few minutes, they only have the power to react to the situation, not prevent it. Many people don’t think about the “what if’s” regarding community security and end up relying almost entirely on police response. However, it is far more effective to think about what can be done to prevent these kinds of situations from occurring in the first place than it is to react to them. Selecting and implementing a truly effective security plan is of equal importance. Taking minimal security measures that give the illusion of security without actually being effective is all too common and creates a potentially deadly sense of complacency.

This situation could have been avoided had a proper and effective security protocol been in place. Had an armed guard been present, they could have searched the man for weapons before allowing him to enter, thus preventing the situation from escalating. Having an armed guard also acts as a very strong deterrent to would-be attackers, causing them to reconsider or look for an easier target. Most attackers do not want to be stopped before completing their objects, whether it is to take hostages, kill innocent people, and so on. Dedicated security personnel are also able to patrol the facility and keep a secure premier while congregants are preoccupied, making them more effective than simply having an armed congregation.

Once the decision has been made to employ an armed security service, the next step is to find a service that is acutely aware of the needs and culture of the community they are protecting. Security professionals must not only be well-trained and competent, but also able to interact and integrate with the community members. Being able to establish trust between the community and security professionals is key to preventing complacency, encouraging communication, and ensuring security protocols are being followed. When considering the Jewish community, it is important for the security company to understand the traditions and practices of the congregation while remaining respectful and accommodating whenever possible.

At HCCI Protection, we specialize in professional, trustworthy, and effective security for vulnerable communities while focusing on cultural integration. While many private security companies are willing to engage in security theater, HCCI Protection never compromises on providing real, tangible security for our clients. We always put the lives of clients and their congregation members first. All of our security professionals are trained to the highest standards in the industry and are equipped to deal with a variety of threats, including active shooters. We strive to have our professionals integrate into the communities they serve in order to create less disruption and to keep a better pulse on the issues the community faces.

HCCI Protection has a long track record of providing security services to a number of Jewish communities in the Denver Metro area. As a result, we are experienced in dealing with the intricacies of the Jewish community and are uniquely qualified to provide them with effective security solutions. We are proud to say that all of our clients in the Jewish community are satisfied with our services and we enjoy great relationships with both community members and administrators. We urge the Jewish community to continue to take their security into their own hands and seriously consider the use of armed professional security services. HCCI Protection stands ready to continue to assist the Jewish community, and any other community or business, with their unique security needs.

Take the first step in getting real security for your community by contacting us at 720-476-0312, info@hcciprotection.com, or visiting our website at www.hccisecurity.com.