Jewish security org Magen Am keeping community safe amid elevated threat
Jewish security organization keeps society safe
In the conflict environment in the Middle East, synagogues and Jewish venues are put on high alert against possible threats. Magen Am is a Jewish-run, non-profit organization focused on community safety.
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PHOENIX, Arizona – Law enforcement agencies in the United States are on high alert for the growing terrorist threat, prompting Jewish communities in particular to increase security following a series of recent attacks, including the incident at the Temple Israel synagogue in Michigan.
Experts warn that the most immediate danger comes from so-called lone wolf attackers, who act independently and are often difficult to detect before they attack.
Concerns intensified after two separate attacks on the same day about two weeks ago: One targeted an ROTC class at Old Dominion University in Virginia, the other targeted Temple Israel in Michigan.
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Magen Am, a Jewish security organization, has a smaller presence in Phoenix, where the Jewish community is less prominent than in Los Angeles and Orange County. (Amalia Roy)
Security has become a constant presence at synagogues across the country. Jewish organizations in Phoenix and other cities are taking proactive steps to prepare for potential threats. One of those groups, Magen Am, a nonprofit focused on community safety, trains volunteers to respond in the event of an attack.
During a recent training session, volunteers practiced defensive tactics and prepared for a scenario they hoped would never become reality; They placed themselves between the attacker and the community.
“Magen Am – the shield of the nation – it’s a matter of standing up and saying, ‘You’re not making it,'” volunteer Valerie Smilovic said.
The organization, which operates in Los Angeles, Orange County and Phoenix, was founded following the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attacks. Ian Turner, who leads Magen Am’s Phoenix chapter, said the tragedy was a wake-up call for many in the Jewish community.
“American Jews have gotten the memo that they need to take some kind of proactive security measures,” Turner said.
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Ian Turner is in charge of the Phoenix branch of Magen Am, an organization focused on the safety of the Jewish community. (Amalia Roy)
Jewish organizations have reported a recent increase in online threats, especially following US and Israeli military operations against Iran. Experts say tracking these threats is challenging but critical.
“The only way to stop attacks is to identify individuals before they act,” said counterterrorism analyst Aaron Cohen. “Currently, that capacity for law enforcement is very limited.”
The urgency of preparedness was further demonstrated on March 12, when a man carrying a rifle and fireworks crashed a truck into Temple Israel in Michigan. Officials said the synagogue’s security team responded quickly and prevented further damage.
Shooting lessons are one way Magen Am aims to provide the Jewish community with ways to protect themselves. Volunteers serve as security guards in synagogues. (Amalia Roy)
Despite growing concerns, community leaders acknowledge there are limits to what can be done.
“We did everything we could beyond increasing security and remaining vigilant,” Turner said. “This is something we prepare for every day.”
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The FBI has not yet determined a motive for the Michigan attack. However, Israeli officials say the suspect, identified as Ayman Mohammed Ghazali, is the brother of the Hezbollah commander killed in Israel’s airstrike on Lebanon earlier this month.
