Area Jewish groups talk about, raise funds for security
In the wake of a mass shooting that killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, the Columbus-area Jewish community came together Wednesday night to inform members about the security measures its synagogues and agencies are undertaking and to hear their concerns.
About 40 people gathered at the Jewish Community Center as part of the first of three forums hosted by JewishColumbus, a partnership of the Jewish Federation of Columbus and the Columbus Jewish Foundation formed this year.
“We want people to feel they’re being heard and we’re there for them,” said JewishColumbus CEO Joel Marcovitch. “We’d like education for the community and making sure people feel empowered.”
Marc Hollander, 66, of Bexley, attended the forum despite his disappointment over the fact that it’s necessary.
“The thing about temple is, it is comforting to see there is a police presence, but disappointing to see there is a police presence,” he said.
Since the Pittsburgh shooting Oct. 27, security experts Fred Bowditch, consultant for the Franklin County Commissioners, and Detective Patrick Seaman, with the Columbus Division of Police’s counterterrorism unit, have visited and assessed almost all local synagogues.
“Every facility here is much better than it was 10 years ago, much better than it was a year ago,” Bowditch told those assembled Wednesday. “You guys are pretty well protected.”
Nonetheless, Marcovitch said the safety reviews revealed several expensive security enhancements that need to be done.
JewishColumbus will soon begin a fundraising campaign to seek help for local Jewish organizations to make necessary security enhancements, he said.
“It’s going to take an entire community effort,” Marcovitch said. “We have an immediate need here.”
Rabbi Rick Kellner, of Congregation Beth Tikvah, said the Worthington synagogue has undertaken a series of preparations for security threats that may arise.
“Our No. 1 priority is to keep our community members safe,” Kellner said.
Both Kellner and Marcovitch agreed it’s sad they have to worry about security when religious organizations often provide sanctuary for people and are thought of as safe places.
“Security is always in the back of the mind of every Jewish person in the country, in the world,” Marcovitch said. “Pittsburgh drew it from the back of the mind to the forefront of the mind, and while it’s at the forefront, we have to talk about it.”
JewishColumbus is hosting two additional safety forums: Sunday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Tikvah, 6121 Olentangy River Rd., Worthington; and Dec. 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Shalom, 5089 Johnstown Road, New Albany. For more information on the fundraising effort, visit jewishcolumbus.org/ securityfund.