An Open Invitation to the Los Angeles Jewish Community
In the wake of recent increases in Anti-Semitic crimes across the United States, we would like to inform our communities of an important and established organization already serving our community - Magen Am.
Magen Am is a nonprofit organization that selects, trains and develops armed security teams for our institutions. Carefully identified individuals go through rigorous and intense training which then puts them on a track towards becoming an active Magen Am team member. Team members are dedicated to the protection of the Jewish community, and are committed to supporting each other in protecting their own communities. Magen Am operates from a belief in G-d’s Divine Protection of His people, and strives continuously to be an agent of that protection. As such, Magen Am provides continued training, legal and psychological support to its members, amongst a variety of other key elements.
An Open House will be held Thursday, 12 Teves/January 9th
8 - 10 pm at Adas Torah, 9040 W Pico Blvd.
RSVP to [email protected]
We urge everyone to show up to this informative evening and learn more about how your community can enhance and protect itself from within.
Regards,
Rabbi Yossi Elifort
Ari Goldner | Motti Kest | Josh Moorvitch | Russell Meyerowitz |
Eli Krich | Leah Krich | Malkiel Gradon | Daneil Uretzky
What’s being discussed...
My shul already has a security guard.
Your Shul should continue to hire dedicated security guards if it is within the budget. They are an important visual deterrent and first line of defense.
Magen Am trains responsible members of their shuls or institutions as a further layer of protection that is “built in”.
Magen Am’s mission is to train and empower the community to secure itself from within. The basis for this is the belief that:
- Community members have knowledge of the community and instinctively are aware of someone or something suspicious.
- Community members have a vested interest in the safety of their community.
- Community members attend their services and community events.
- Today’s security climate is such that an additional layer of defense should be available within our institutions.
Magen Am’s team members are legally licensed through the BSIS to carry a firearm when on duty and working for a licensed Private Patrol Operator (PPO). Magen Am is insured to cover the institutions in which it operates.
How Can My Shul Take Part in Magen Am’s Program?
The formation of a response team does not happen overnight. It involves passing eligibility requirements including but not limited to Rabbinical/Board approval, background check, medical and psychological evaluations and more. The course runs for approximately 6 months and involves weekly classes and bimonthly Sunday training days.