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.