Jewish security org keeps community safe
Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, heightened vigilance is the new norm for synagogues and Jewish community centers, which are on guard against potential threats. Magen Am, a nonprofit led by Jewish leaders, is dedicated to enhancing community security.
PHOENIX, Ariz. – In response to a heightened terror threat across the United States, law enforcement agencies are on heightened alert. This has led Jewish communities, in particular, to bolster their security systems following a spate of recent assaults, including an incident at Temple Israel synagogue in Michigan.
Experts emphasize that the greatest risk arises from so-called lone wolf attackers—individuals who operate alone and are notoriously challenging to identify before they act.
Concerns grew after two separate attacks occurred nearly two weeks ago on the same day: one at an ROTC classroom at Old Dominion University in Virginia, and another at Temple Israel in Michigan.
While Magen Am, a Jewish security group, has a smaller footprint in Phoenix compared to its larger operations in Los Angeles and Orange County, it remains vigilant.
Across the country, synagogues are increasingly prioritizing security. In Phoenix and other areas, Jewish organizations are taking proactive measures to counter potential threats. Magen Am, a nonprofit devoted to community protection, is actively training volunteers to effectively respond in case of an attack.
During a recent training session, volunteers practiced defensive tactics, preparing for a scenario they hope never becomes reality — placing themselves between an attacker and their community.
“Magen Am—the shield of the nation—it’s about standing up and saying, ‘You’re not getting through,’” volunteer Valerie Smilovic said.
The organization, which operates in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Phoenix, was founded in the wake of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. Ian Turner, who leads the Phoenix branch of Magen Am, said that tragedy served as a wake-up call for many in the Jewish community.
“American Jewry got the memo that they need to do some form of proactive security,” Turner said.
Ian Turner is in charge of the Phoenix branch of Magen Am, an organization focused on security in the Jewish community. (Amalia Roy)
Jewish organizations have reported a recent spike in online threats, particularly following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. Experts say monitoring those threats is critical, though challenging.
“The only way to stop attacks is to identify individuals before they act,” counterterrorism analyst Aaron Cohen said, “Right now, law enforcement is very limited in that capability.”
The urgency of preparedness was underscored on March 12 when a man armed with a rifle and fireworks rammed a truck into Temple Israel in Michigan. Authorities credited the synagogue’s security team with responding quickly and preventing further harm.
Shooting classes are one of the ways Magen Am aims to equip the Jewish community with ways to protect themselves. Volunteers serve as security guards at synagogues. (Amalia Roy)
Despite the heightened concerns, community leaders acknowledge there are limits to what can be done.
“Beyond increasing security and staying alert, we’ve done all we can,” Turner said. “This is something we prepare for every day.”
The FBI has not yet determined a motive in the Michigan attack. However, Israeli officials say the suspect, identified as Ayman Muhammed Ghazali, is the brother of a Hezbollah commander killed earlier this month in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon.
