Extra eyes on patrol at local synagogues

One collects $100 from members to hire a guard. Others just beef up awareness as new threats target Jews.

By KATHRYN WEXLER, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published June 29, 2002

TAMPA -- At Tampa's second oldest synagogue, a uniformed police officer sits vigil at least four days a week, ready to thwart an anti-Semitic attack.

It's a precautionary measure at a fearful time, all the more so because of the FBI's warning last week that terrorists might try to hurtle fuel tanker trucks into Jewish institutions.

But extra security costs.

Early this month, Congregation Rodeph Sholom sent letters to members informing them of a $100 fee above the usual dues increase.

"It is the Board's opinion that in today's world providing this level of protection is both reasonable and prudent," the letter read.

Their fears resound throughout the country.

"We have fielded many calls from synagogues and Jewish centers and federations seeking information and guidance on how to respond to the FBI's warning," said Art Teitelbaum, southern area director of the Anti-Defamation League in 12 states. "There has been considerable anxiety."

While certain Jewish temples have congregations big or wealthy enough to hire security guards, smaller synagogues are relying on vigilance from members.

"We haven't hired security people ... it becomes prohibitively expensive," said Neil Wyman, administrator at Congregation Beth Shalom in Clearwater.

"We are extra careful, especially since Sept. 11, making sure the doors are locked at all times and the alarms are on," Wyman said. "Congregants live nearby who will make a quick drive through the parking lot. So far, we haven't had any problems, thank God."

Anti-Semitic attacks worldwide have increased along with tensions in Israel between Muslims and Jews. In France, the problems have been particularly pointed, with more than 40 incidents targeting Jews since January, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Some involved Molotov cocktails, physical attacks and graffiti.

Last week's uncorroborated warning was the latest in a series of alerts since Sept. 11, but the first for Jews specifically. It didn't mention a date or place, but came on a Friday, a day Jews commonly pack synagogues. The advisory also cited possible attacks on fuel depots.

Jewish leaders say fear of attacks is nothing new. "We've always had security concerns," said Mike Eisenstadt, director for the Jewish Community Relations Council for the Tampa Jewish Federation.

"This issue of domestic extremists activities did not suddenly appear on Sept. 11," Teitelbaum said. "Our security awareness programs have been ongoing for almost two decades."

Three years ago, a white supremacist stormed into the North Valley Jewish Community Center in California and sprayed it with 70 bullets, wounding three boys, a teenage girl and a woman. He was handed a life sentence.

The Hillel School of Tampa hired a uniformed officer after that incident.

Rodeph Sholom, begun 99 years ago, asked members for $100 contributions after the Los Angeles incident as well, said the congregation's president, Lee Tobin.

"We started doing this extra security after we did our budget last year and unfortunately, we didn't prepare for 9/11," Tobin said, thus the $100 fee. He said he didn't know if they would continue to ask for the surcharge next year.

An officer is stationed at the synagogue during services and religious classes.

Rick Morera, spokesman for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, said local law enforcement agencies have notified area synagogues and schools since the warning last week and urged them to report suspicious activity.

Not everyone is hiring extra guards. Some, like Rabbi Yossie Dubrowski of the Chabad Lubavich temple and day school in north Tampa, think a high-profile attack involving a tanker truck isn't likely to happen here.

"Of course it concerns me, but to the extent that I'm putting security in front of my building, I'm not," Dubrowski said. "I don't look at it as a major threat with regard to small, little communities."

Rabbi Joel Wasser of the Congregation Kol Ami in Tampa said congregants have taken extra precautions this week. But hiring more officers isn't one of them.

"We have individuals who are sort of taking personal responsibility for being on the lookout. Particularly when the synagogue is filled, they're roaming around the building, going along the perimeter," Wasser said.

The biggest benefit of added security is simply to make people feel safe, he said.

"I think the presence of uniformed officers gives people a sense of calm," Wasser said, "and that's where the greatest effect is."

-- Times researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report. Kathryn Wexler can be reached at wexler@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3383.

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