NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 | 35

have reached out since Oct. 7 
wanting to connect with the 
community, even though being 
Jewish previously didn’t mean 
much to them. They feel alone 
and want to get together with 
other people that are going 
through this.”
Brian Granader is one of 
those working on the volunteer 
security efforts at the center. 
“It seems that evil and hate are 
always there, and when there is 
an opening like this, it raises its 
head,” said Granader, who lives 
in Rochester Hills and owns 
Red Lotus Yoga.
“Before this war, there were 
mumblings about stopping 
investment in Israel or the 
occasional swastika drawn on a 
Jewish building or home. Now 
there are gatherings in the 
streets and universities asking 
for the end of Israel, which is 
tantamount to advocating the 
slaughter of all the Jews living 
there. I always felt so safe, and 

now I do not.”
In addition to training 
volunteers, a Chabad Center 
committee recommended 
contracting with a professional 
security firm to provide 
coverage at the center.
Christopher Haas of 
Auburn Hills, a member of 
the Chabad community, is a 
retired Michigan corrections 
officer who worked for the 
Department of Homeland 
Security for three years. He is 
helping the local police depart-
ment with their efforts at the 
center and advising others at 
the center working on security 
issues. 
Haas noted that several peo-
ple affiliated with the center 
have concealed carry permits, 
and another is a former Navy 
SEAL.
Haas’s wife, Rebecca, a nurse 
practitioner, says volunteers are 
important but are no substitute 
for professionals.

“
As a mental health 
professional, I think security 
is best provided by trained 
professionals,” she said. 
“Volunteers do not have 

the same level of training 
as professionals. In a true 
crisis, will a volunteer 
have the instincts to react 
appropriately?” 

Rabbi Menachem Caytak with his wife, Chana, and daughters (from 
left) Rochel, 3, Hudi, 7 months, Chaya Mushka, 4, and Sara, 2.

