The security director, who’s expected to start in April, has an extensive law enforcement background, including dealing with counter terrorism issues.
SAN ANTONIO — The Jewish Federation of San Antonio has hired a security director amid heightened tensions involving attacks on synagogues worldwide and the war in Iran.
“We don’t have a choice but to ensure that our Jewish institutions are safe and secure,” said Craig Berkowitch, CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio. “It’s taking more and more of our budget, more and more of our attention, but we do that proudly.”
Berkowitch stressed the security director will prove vital in helping communicate more efficiently with law enforcement and preparing for any potential threats.
“The benefit of a security director that has law enforcement background and counter terrorism background is they can provide best practices and information in a network that we didn’t have before,” Berkowitch said. “It allows us to coordinate across the city with all our institutions and to be much more effective.”
Authorities in West Bloomfield, Mich. killed a suspect Thursday afternoon who rammed his truck into Temple Israel. Law enforcement officials say the suspect exited the vehicle with a rifle and was confronted by security officers who began firing at him. One security guard was injured when struck by the suspect’s vehicle.
“Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in the Detroit Jewish community,” Berkowitch said.
While the FBI takes over the investigation surrounding the Michigan synagogue attack, Berkowitch said the Jewish Federation of San Antonio has been keeping proactive, talking with law enforcement to boost police patrols in the area.
“Antisemitism continues to rise in our country and around the world and so it’s critical that the Jewish community prioritize security to ensure that we can worship and gather proudly and safely,” Berkowitch said.
San Antonio police has stepped up its police presence in the community.
In response to recent events, SAPD has increased police presence around Jewish facilities throughout the city as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the community. As always, we want to remind the public that if they see something, say something.