President's Blog

A security incident took place outside our Sanctuary last Saturday, May 24. The incident was promptly handled by our leadership, security, and administrative personnel, with no consequences to our community. Our community is safe.
 
In response to the event that took place in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, May 21, and at our Synagogue last Saturday, we will be modifying and enhancing our security protocols and procedures following Jewish Community Federation of Richmond (JCF) guidelines. Please comply with these changes to keep our community safe and secure.

On Saturday, May 24, members of our community noticed several items outside the leftmost Sanctuary door facing Grove, including oranges arranged in a triangle formation and a 10-page bound document. The community members responded appropriately by not touching the items and immediately informing our off-duty police officer. The officer documented the items in place, collected and cataloged the items for evidence, and contacted the patrol officer and their supervisor at the Richmond Police Department (RPD). The officers also contacted the Temple lay leaders, who, in turn, reported the incident to the JCF Secure Community Network (SCN) and its Regional Security Advisor, David Brackins. Lay leaders reviewed camera footage with the police officers and submitted the relevant video clips to the RPD and SCN. RPD and SCN are currently investigating this case.

The SCN Regional Security Advisor David Brackins shared the following information with me:

• After analysis of the items, the SCN deemed this security situation a non-threat.
• SCN commended our community members for immediately informing RDP officers. This step is key in any response and is the correct protocol to follow. If you see something, say something.​​​​​​​
• SCN also valued the camera monitoring system we installed during the renovation, as it captured the individual dropping the objects in vivid detail. Enhancing our security equipment was a wise investment.
• ​​​​​​​SCN shared that the 10-page document contains thoughts equating Zionism and Nazism, and it does NOT contain any threats to our community. SCN deems this point as a “positive.” While that may be the case, we must remain vigilant.
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Next steps:
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• ​​​​​​​We will revise and improve our protocols based on lessons learned. While good, our protocols could be enhanced.
• Our calendar of activities has been moved behind a paywall once again. Only members can access the calendar by logging into our website.
• ​​​​​​​We will be increasing the number of off-duty RPD officers on our premises as needed.
• We invite you to be an active participant in our securit. Volunteer your time in our Security Committee or as an Usher by contacting our Office Manager Norma Fiedler (n.fiedler@bethelrichmond.org).
• ​​​​​​​You can also donate to our security fund HERE 
• Educate yourself by reviewing these SCN resources found at this LINK

 
Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have. I’ll try to address your questions in a prompt manner and to the extent possible.

B’shalom,

Isaac Skromne, President
​​​​​​​Temple Beth-El
iskromne@gmail.com