This attack underscores a harsh reality: Jewish houses of worship are increasingly viewed as symbolic targets. For synagogues and temples, the time to strengthen security is before tragedy occurs. In particular, advancements in technologies and tactics have made it now possible to move beyond threat detection to proactive intervention that can stop criminal or terrorist acts in real-time. 

“Jewish houses of worship are increasingly viewed as symbolic targets. For synagogues and temples, the time to strengthen security is before tragedy occurs.”

Synagogues Are Vulnerable Targets

Houses of worship face unique security challenges that make them appealing targets for extremists. Unlike government buildings or corporate offices, synagogues traditionally operate as open and welcoming spaces. Congregants, visitors, and community members regularly enter without strict screening or identification procedures. Services occur on predictable schedules, particularly on Shabbat and major Jewish holidays when attendance is highest.

These characteristics — openness, predictability, and large gatherings — can create what security professionals refer to as “soft targets.” Recent incidents demonstrate that attackers may use a range of tactics, including:

• Vehicle-ramming attacks
• Active shooter attacks
• Explosive devices
• Arson and vandalism
• Coordinated hate crimes

The Michigan attack illustrates how quickly such incidents can unfold. A single individual was able to ram a vehicle through the entrance of a synagogue and ignite a fire inside the building before being stopped. While the rapid response of security personnel prevented a mass casualty event, the incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security planning.

Adopt a Layered Security Strategy

Security experts consistently emphasize that protecting houses of worship requires a layered approach. This means having multiple systems working together to deter threats, detect suspicious activity, and respond quickly. These layers can include:

1. Physical barriers and perimeter protection
2. Access control systems
3. Intrusion detection
4. Video surveillance
5. Remote monitoring and remote guarding
6. Human security personnel
7. Emergency preparedness and training
8. Coordination with law enforcement

Each layer plays a critical role in preventing attacks or minimizing their impact. While legacy systems play an important part in a total solution with redundant safeguards, getting current with today’s sophisticated remote video guarding that can prevent events from escalating into tragedies is an urgent necessity.

Perimeter Security and Physical Barriers: The first layer of defense begins outside the building. Vehicle attacks against public buildings have increased worldwide, making perimeter protection essential. Bollards, reinforced planters, and vehicle-rated barriers can prevent attackers from driving directly into entrances or gathering areas. Other best practices include:

• Secure fencing where appropriate
• Well-lit parking areas and pathways
• Clearly defined entrances and exits
• Landscaping designed to eliminate hiding places
• Emergency vehicle access routes

In the Michigan synagogue attack, the attacker drove a vehicle directly into the building. Physical barriers designed to stop vehicles could potentially prevent such attacks or significantly slow them down. Perimeter security should be designed not only to protect the building but also to create psychological deterrence. Attackers often look for easier targets; visible barriers signal that a location is hardened.

Access Control: Access control is one of the most important elements of synagogue security. Rather than leaving multiple doors unlocked during services or events, best practices recommend a single monitored entrance while other doors remain locked from the outside. Modern access control systems may include:

• Electronic keycards or credential systems for staff
• Video intercom entry systems
• Visitor sign-in procedures
• ID verification for unfamiliar visitors
• Event registration for large gatherings

These measures allow congregations to maintain welcoming environments while ensuring that unknown individuals cannot freely enter. During high-attendance holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, controlled access becomes especially critical.

Intrusion Detection and Alarm Systems: Intrusion detection systems provide protection during both occupied and unoccupied hours. Key components include:

• Door and window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Glass-break sensors
• Panic buttons
• Silent alarm systems connected to monitoring centers

Alarm systems should be professionally monitored so that law enforcement can be dispatched immediately if a breach occurs. In many cases, intrusion alarms are the first alert that a suspicious incident is occurring, allowing rapid response before a situation escalates.

Video Surveillance and Intelligent Analytics: Modern surveillance systems serve two primary purposes: deterrence and investigation. Visible cameras signal to potential attackers that their actions will be recorded, which can discourage criminal activity. At the same time, high-quality video footage helps law enforcement investigate incidents and identify suspects.

Effective surveillance systems optimally include:

• High-definition cameras at entrances and exits
• Parking lot cameras with license-plate recognition
• Interior cameras in key hallways and gathering areas
• Video analytics capable of detecting unusual behavior
• Cloud-based storage for secure archiving

Advanced analytics can identify suspicious activities such as loitering, abandoned objects, or individuals approaching restricted areas. These capabilities along with carefully calibrated artificial intelligence are particularly powerful and effective when combined with remote monitoring or guarding.

Remote Video Monitoring and Remote Guarding: Traditional security systems often detect incidents only after they occur. Remote monitoring and remote guarding systems add a proactive element. These solutions connect surveillance cameras to a central monitoring center staffed by trained security professionals who observe activity in real-time. When suspicious behavior is detected, operators can:

• Issue live voice warnings through speakers
• Contact on-site personnel
• Notify law enforcement
• Trigger alarms or lockdown procedures
• Help police respond more safely

For example, if someone is observed attempting to tamper with a door late at night, a remote operator can announce that the individual is being recorded and police have been notified. Live intervention from a professionally trained command center agent is typically more effective than prerecorded or AI-generated messages. In most cases, these actions and protocols stop crimes before they escalate. 

Remote guarding is particularly beneficial for synagogues that cannot afford full-time onsite security guards. Even if cost is not a factor, guards are usually more for observing and reporting than engaging, they cannot be multiple places at once as can remotely monitoring cameras and speakers, and they are prone to a broad range of human failings (e.g. distraction, sleeping). For these reasons and more, the deployment of remote video guarding is crucial for houses of worship.

Human Security Personnel: While technology plays a crucial role, trained personnel remain one of the most effective deterrents. Many synagogues employ:

• Armed or unarmed security guards
• Off-duty police officers during major events
• Volunteer security teams trained in threat detection

In the Michigan synagogue attack, trained security personnel engaged the attacker and prevented further violence. Their presence likely saved lives. Visible guards can deter potential attackers and respond immediately in the event of a threat. 

Onsite security guards can be deployed as a complement to remote guarding, which acts as a powerful force multiplier viable to augment or replace human guards.  

Emergency Preparedness and Training: Even with strong security systems, synagogues must prepare for worst-case scenarios. Training should include:

• Active-shooter response procedures
• Lockdown and shelter-in-place plans
• Evacuation routes
• Emergency communication systems
• Medical response training

Staff, clergy, and volunteers should regularly participate in drills so they understand how to respond calmly during emergencies. Preparedness can significantly reduce casualties during critical incidents.

Working With Law Enforcement: Strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies are essential. Synagogues should:

• Conduct security assessments with police departments
• Share event schedules for major holidays or gatherings
• Request increased patrols during high-risk periods
• Participate in threat-information sharing programs

Police familiarity with a synagogue’s layout and security procedures can greatly improve response times during emergencies. After the Michigan attack, law enforcement agencies in several cities increased patrols around synagogues and other houses of worship as a precaution. 

The Time to Act Is Now

Despite the urgent need for protection, many synagogues face significant challenges. Common barriers include:

• Limited budgets for security upgrades
• Concerns about creating a fortress-like environment
• Lack of security expertise within congregations
• Competing priorities for nonprofit organizations

Fortunately, federal programs such as the Nonprofit Security Grant Program help fund security improvements for houses of worship. Security professionals also emphasize that effective security does not require turning synagogues into fortresses. Instead, thoughtful planning can integrate safety measures into welcoming environments. Every synagogue should conduct a professional security assessment and develop a comprehensive protection plan. They should seek security solutions providers with a proven track record demonstrating their ability to address threat levels, physical hardening and deployment adequacy. 

When it comes down to it, cameras, analytics and alerts have become standard security measures. While those aspects remain vital, it is now time to step up to solutions that involve immediate action — where live human intervention disrupts ongoing incidents, escalates appropriately and alters outcomes in real-time. 

Houses of worship should be sanctuaries of faith, community, and peace — not targets for violence. Ensuring that safety requires vigilance, preparation, and the willingness to act before tragedy strikes.