Magen Am on Staying Safe During the High Holy Days

The High Holy Days and Sukkot are a time when many Jews are out walking in their neighborhoods, often late at night after services and meals, and are more vulnerable to crime. Right now, both general crime in Los Angeles and antisemitic hate crimes are on the rise, meaning that Jews have to be much more vigilant during the holidays this year. 

While all this is happening, the LAPD is short-staffed; currently, it has 9,000 officers, the lowest level since Mayor Richard Riordan’s administration in the 1990s. “They are having a hard time retaining officers, and between now and February, there will be forced retirements,” said Rabbi Yossi Eilfort, founder of Magen Am USA, a nonprofit organization that trains and empowers members of the Jewish community. “Things will get worse before they get better, and we’re working with the city as best we can since LAPD can’t be everywhere right now.”

Eilfort’s Magen Am provides volunteers and security professionals to protect synagogues and Jewish schools and organizations. 

Eilfort’s Magen Am provides volunteers and security professionals to protect synagogues and Jewish schools and organizations. It operates in the Jewish communities around L.A. and gives classes on situational awareness, self-defense and responsible firearm ownership. Ivan Wolkind, formerly of the Jewish Federation and a reserve police officer of the LAPD, runs Magen Am and was recently hired as its CEO. 

In anticipation of the High Holy Days, Eilfort is offering tips to the Jewish community to stay safe when crime is growing. Sticking to the basics, he said that when walking anywhere, try to go in groups, stay on main streets and, if it’s dark outside, go to the most well-lit place. It’s also important to plan out your route and get to know your neighbors.  “If something does happen to you, then you’ll be able to go to a neighbor’s door and knock on it,” he said. 

If you leave your house for any amount of time, lock your doors. “Make sure your doors are locked, even when going out for a quick meal and it’s inconvenient to have to lock the door,” Eilfort said. “There are people watching. They know the schedule and that they can get in when you’re out.”

If you are in a situation where someone approaches you on the street, Eilfort encourages you to follow your gut feeling. “If something makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to say something or be afraid of offending them,” he said. Carrying pepper spray — if you can responsibly use it — as well as strong flashlights can also ward off any would-be attackers. “Take classes in situational awareness and make sure you aren’t walking into something dangerous,” he said.

While Magen Am plans to patrol the community around La Brea Boulevard during the High Holy Days and Sukkot, they may expand into Pico-Robertson as well. If Jewish organizations need protection, they can call 1 (844) MAGEN-AM (624-3626). You can fill out a form on Magen Am’s website to learn more about upcoming classes and events so you can stay safe during the holidays and beyond.

For now, Magen Am is going to keep on pushing for more protection in the community to combat the rise in both antisemitism and crime. “We’ll continue to make the Jewish community as prepared as possible,” Eilfort said.