Thoughts
A MONTHLY MIX OF IDEAS
Secure Responsibility
New York/JTA
T
he May 20 announcement of a
thwarted terrorist attack against
synagogues in the Riverdale sec-
tion of the Bronx highlighted two impor-
tant issues that have emerged clearly in
the new age of terror in the years since
9-11: That extraordinary law enforce-
ment cooperation and investigative
operations can disrupt potentially devas-
tating homegrown terrorist attacks in the
homeland, and that the terrorist threat in
America remains real and current, par-
ticularly for American Jews.
The alleged terror plot to attack syna-
gogues using improvised explosive devic-
es, or IEDs, raises many concerns, most
notably the feasibility of such an attack.
The suspects reportedly conducted sur-
veillance against the Jewish institutions
and identified specific targets for attack.
The criminal complaint alleges that the
suspects "photographed several syna-
gogues and Jewish community centers
in the Bronx and elsewhere for consid-
eration as possible targets in a planned
terrorist bombing campaign."
Had the suspects been able to acquire
actual explosives and escaped detection
of law enforce-
ment, the morn-
ing news story
could have been
one of catastro-
phe and extreme
devastation for
the Jewish com-
munity.
While many
Jewish organiza-
Paul
tions have taken
Goldenberg
remarkable steps
Special
to secure their
Commentary
institutions
— installing cameras, access control
systems and other technological security
equipment — it is only through the inte-
gration of the human dimension of secu-
rity, specifically training and exercises,
that organizations can truly test their
emergency plans and ensure their staff
members are properly trained to respond
to crisis or disaster.
In the midst of a disaster, it is not a
good time to test your plans.
Security is everyone's responsibility. By
engaging staff and employees, and equip-
ping them with the appropriate knowl-
edge, skills and the ability, organizations
can create a
force-multiplier
and staff mem-
bers can con-
tribute to their
own safety and
security and that
of their organi-
zation, visitors
and guests.
Realistically,
we must antici-
pate that the
next plot may
already be in the
works and we
may not be so lucky as to have an infor-
mant infiltrate and ultimately disrupt a
very real homegrown terrorist attack.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
and New York Police Department, along
with several other state and local law
enforcement agencies, did their part in
disrupting a serious homegrown terror-
ist plot and are to be commended for
their actions. In turn, we must do our
part to get to know and assist our local
law enforcement partners, train our staff
and do all we can as individuals and as
a community to contribute to the safety
Realistically,
we must
anticipate
that the next
plot may
already be
in the works.
and security of our institutions and the
communities that we serve.
If there is one message I can convey,
it is the fact that the North American
Jewish community cannot afford to
let down its guard at any time in the
present and near future. The world has
changed; unlike previous periods of his-
tory, fortress America is a bygone era.
However, we are a strong, resilient com-
munity and there are many steps and
measures we can and must implement
to safeguard our most precious assets,
our people.
We must make every attempt to
approach this balance between security
and openness in a spirit of calm and pro-
fessionalism, not alarm or panic.
The American Jewish community,
in particular, is mindful of the need to
balance vigilance and a determination
to maintain the open, supportive atmo-
sphere that represents the very purpose
of our places of worship.
Paul Goldenberg is national director of Secure
Community Network, an initiative of the
Jewish Federations of North America and the
Conference of Presidents of Major American
Jewish Organizations.
Lost Wages, Lost Vegas
A
few years ago, I shared a little
historical game with you. The
basis of it is in every decade
of American history a city emerges that
best symbolizes the spirit of the times.
From 1910-20, for example, it was
Detroit and its emerging auto industry.
In the 50s, Los Angeles and the rush to
the suburbs. In the 60s, San Francisco
and the summer of love.
In the 90s, Seattle, with its coffee-
houses, computer industry, grunge rock
bands and green setting, won the award.
I wondered in that column which city
would represent the first decade of the
new century. I think the answer is clear
by now.
It's Las Vegas.
A city based on illusion and the irra-
tional belief that winning against the
odds can go on indefinitely, it mirrors
the false front that America constructed
for itself over the last 10 years.
It also, not coincidentally, is one of
the few places that surpasses
the Detroit area's numbers on
home foreclosures.
When the 21st century
began, it seemed to be riding
the wave of the future. With
a new generation of luxury
hotels, star power in its show-
rooms, a mild climate and
insatiable appetite among its
customers for wretched excess
and seemingly harmless vices,
Las Vegas had it all. And what
happened there stayed there.
There is a character in a
William Saroyan play who keeps repeat-
ing: "No foundation. All the way down
the line, no foundation."
When a city is built on illusion, the
slightest crack in its foundation will
send it crashing to earth.
In the end, Las Vegas was trying to
borrow the foundation of more substan-
tial locales. But the bad bets made in
those places — on subprime
A mortgages, derivatives, the
price of gas at the pump
— collapsed, and that is what
decided the fate of the puta-
tive core of gambling.
I write this not to gloat over
the decline of a place that
does not happen to be one of
my favorites.
How can a Detroiter gloat
over any other city's misfor-
tune? It's like the Lions player
who drew a penalty last sea-
son for taunting the opposi-
tion. But in these times it is a fascinat-
ing object lesson.
I don't believe the Bellagio or Wynn
will ever share the fate of the Michigan
Central Depot or Book Building. It's
easier for a city built on dreams of ava-
rice to bounce back when good times
return.
Our bounce, when it comes, will be
earthbound by comparison.
I do wonder, though, which city is
primed to define our dreams in the next
decade?
It may be Washington, D.C., if
President Obama continues to concen-
trate more economic control within the
federal government.
It may be a mid-South city like
Nashville or Charlotte as Americans
seek out livable places with urban ame-
nities.
It may even be a place that reinvents
itself after years of decline and serves as
an inspiration for the next generation.
Stranger things have happened in our
history.
I don't think I'd put all my chips on
Detroit, but wouldn't that be some-
thing? ____
George Cantor's e-mail address is
gcantor614@aol.com .
June 4 2009
A33