The Shooting at Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva in Memphis: Lessons Learned

Nehemiah 4:9: "And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night."

In a world where acts of violence are unfortunately becoming more common, it is crucial that we take proactive measures to ensure the safety of our community members. A recent incident at a Jewish school in Memphis, Tennessee, highlights the importance of being prepared and having security measures in place.

The Incident

On a Monday afternoon, a suspect approached the Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South around 12:20 p.m. Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe reported that the suspect, whose identity has not been released, attempted to enter the school with a gun and fired several shots after he couldn't get into the building. He then left the scene in a maroon truck.

Officers soon located the suspect's vehicle “shortly after that,” and shot the suspect after he exited the truck with a firearm in hand. The suspect was sent to a hospital, where he is in critical condition.

The motive behind the shooting is still unclear, and law enforcement is investigating whether it was a hate crime. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations is now handling the case.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, whose district includes Memphis, said in a statement that he was “shocked” to hear about the incident at the school and noted that acts of “violent antisemitism” are on the rise across the country.

This incident comes nearly four months after a shooter opened fire at a private Christian school in Nashville and killed six people, including three nine-year-old children.

Response of the Jewish Center

Thankfully, no one was harmed during this incident, and this can be attributed to the safety procedures and processes in place at the school. The doors of the school were locked, which prevented the suspect from entering the building, and the police were called immediately.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn 'CJ' Davis commended the quick response of the MPD officers and thanked neighboring jurisdictions for providing critical information that helped stop the suspect's actions.

Importance of Preparedness

Armed Security

This incident underscores the importance of having an armed security team in place. An armed security team can act as the first line of defense in case of an emergency and can help neutralize a threat until law enforcement arrives.

It is important for places of worship, schools, and other community centers to invest in trained security personnel who can respond effectively to emergencies. Regular training and drills are also essential to ensure that the security team is well-prepared for any situation.

Door Security

Additionally, keeping unused doors locked and open doors protected by armed security is crucial. This not only prevents unauthorized access but also helps in controlling the entry and exit points, making it easier to monitor and respond to any suspicious activity.

Implementing a security access control system can also be beneficial. This system can include key cards, biometric access, or a combination of both. Regularly updating the access control list and conducting audits can help in maintaining the security of the building.

Conclusion

The incident at the Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and having security measures in place. It is crucial for places of worship, schools, and other community centers to have a comprehensive security plan that includes an armed security team and secure access points.

As Christians on church security teams, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our congregation. Let us learn from this incident and take proactive measures to protect our places of worship.

Let us also pray for the healing of those affected by acts of violence and for the wisdom and strength to create a safer environment for all.