ORLANDO, Fla. – Following an attack on one of the nation’s largest synagogues in Michigan, Jewish leaders in Central Florida say they are checking on their extended community while also taking steps to strengthen local security.
Rabbi Sholom Dubov with Chabad of Greater Orlando says the organization has affiliates in the area where the attack happened and reached out to ensure they were safe.
“Generally, it’s horrific that people could consider doing this to innocent civilians and children,” he said.
Dubov says the incident has prompted additional security efforts locally. He says the organization is in the process of installing new security cameras around its buildings in Winter Park and plans to have a security guard stationed at the door.
Leaders say the added precautions are important, especially with thousands of Jewish families living across Central Florida who rely on the organization for religious services, education and community events.
“We want to reassure everyone that our first priority is that everyone is safe and secure. But just as important, we shouldn’t give into the negativity and fear, and instead we should strengthen by coming together.”
Despite the concerns, Dubov says the community has also seen strong support from neighbors across the region.
He says the outpouring of encouragement has reassured members of the Jewish community that they are not alone and should not live in fear.
“This intention to harm us, set us back or prevent us from doing programs is actually producing the exact opposite results, people are calling to support, people are calling with interest in participating,” he said.
“The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida (The Holocaust Center) condemns yesterday’s armed attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, in the strongest possible terms. ”
Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida
An attacker rammed a vehicle packed with explosives into the synagogue and opened fire while 140 children were in the building’s child care center, along with teachers and staff. That every one of those children went home safe is a testament to the courage of Temple Israel’s security team. We are grateful for the heroic guards who put themselves in harm’s way to stop the attacker and wish them a full recovery.
Antisemitic violence is not an abstraction. It is a man with a rifle driving into a synagogue full of children on a Thursday morning, looking to do unspeakable harm. Even more horrifying is the fact that this was the fifth attack on a synagogue worldwide just this week. At the Holocaust Center, our mission has always been to build a more just and caring community free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry. Days like yesterday are a reminder of how urgent that work remains, especially at a time of rapidly rising antisemitism.
Our hearts are with the Temple Israel community, the first responders who were injured battling the blaze, and the families across Michigan and throughout the country who are shaken by this attack."