Security

Dear Congregants,

Many of you have noticed that we have begun to take several measures in an effort to improve security at OZ.  Two months ago we conducted a "walk through" with the Chief of our police precinct to discuss our vulnerabilities.  While we are looking to develop a comprehensive security plan that would implement their recommendations, in the interim we contracted with Epic Security to provide us with a security guard every Shabbat day from 7:30am until 3:30 pm. We are aware of the many limitations of a security guard, but hope that it will have a strong deterring effect. The security guard will be more effective once we are able to set up a rotation of volunteers to stand with the security guard to help identify a potential threat. 

In addition to the security guard and vehicle, we are limiting the physical access to the building as per the recommendations of the police officials.  Prior to 9 am, the 2 sets of doors to the main sanctuary will remain close, and access to the Shul will be through the side entrance to the Beit Midrash. At 9:00am, one set of  main entrance doors will be opened and the side entrance will be closed. People with strollers may continue to park their strollers in the side alleyway, but we stress the importance of closing the door after you park or retrieve your stroller (make sure not to block walking passage for those with wheelchairs, walkers, etc…).   Although we are limiting the points of entry to the Synagogue, all the doors will continue to be available for exiting.

Among the many obstacles to developing a comprehensive security plan is the issue of funding.  At this point, the cost of the security guard and vehicle is approximately $280 per Shabbat. This is an expense that has not been budgeted for, and as of this past Shabbat, OZ has spent close to $4,000 on security.  During the summer months, we will explore the possibility of grant money for some of the costs to the building. We are looking to you, our fellow congregants for assistance in funding the security and in developing a security plan. If you are able to donate to our security please click here.  If you have any expertise in security or can be of assistance in any other way,  please email our Executive Director, Chad Hopkovitz, at chad@ozny.org.

OZ 5776 Security Committee

Johanna Guttmann ~ Jake Guz ~ George Lloyd