Preparing for the Worst: U.S. Synagogues Learn from Israeli Emergency Response Experts

Training the Next Generation of Responders

As the Jewish High Holidays draw near, a quiet but significant shift is taking place across American synagogues: Jewish communities are no longer just preparing for prayers and celebrations, but also for emergencies. In an unprecedented move, Israeli emergency medical professionals from Magen David Adom (MDA) have begun training volunteers in U.S. synagogues on how to respond during mass-casualty incidents.

This effort is led by Aryeh Myers, a senior paramedic and International Affairs representative for MDA. Myers has traveled extensively across the United States to deliver what he calls the "First 7 Minutes" course — an intensive, hands-on curriculum designed specifically for volunteers who may be among the first on scene after a terrorist attack.

"There is this heightened sense of concern, of worry that these attacks are now a question of when rather than if," Myers said. "We're not just talking about preparation for emergencies, but also for the emotional and physical readiness of volunteers."

Israel's Emergency Response in a Global Context

Myers' training is rooted in MDA's extensive experience. The organization has been at the forefront of emergency medical response since its inception, dealing with everything from routine births to large-scale conflicts and terror attacks. This deep well of knowledge, especially after the tragic events of October 7, 2023, gives Israeli medical teams credibility when they speak about crisis preparedness.

"Our expertise is in response to mass casualty events," Myers emphasized. "We respond on the national level to everything from delivering babies, to terror attacks to war situations." He added that MDA's experience has allowed it to learn from past incidents, refining protocols and techniques for rapid deployment in high-stakes environments.

Why It Matters Now

The urgency behind these trainings is not just theoretical. Recent data and reports underscore a troubling rise in antisemitism across the U.S. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently published findings from a survey of Jewish educators within teachers unions, revealing that 70% of respondents felt compelled to self-censor due to fear of retaliation or professional consequences.

This growing climate of concern has prompted Jewish communities nationwide to take proactive steps. The partnership between MDA and the Community Security Service (CSS) reflects not just a practical need for training but also a broader societal effort to bolster resilience in the face of increasing hostility.

Security Challenges on the Ground

The training programs are particularly relevant given recent events, such as the case of a man charged with assault and hate crimes after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services at a New York synagogue. These incidents are not isolated; they are part of a larger trend that has raised alarm bells in Jewish communities across the country.

In fact, the U.S. government has taken note of the escalating tensions, as seen in legislation such as Maryland's attempt to restrict concealed carry near houses of worship — an effort that some argue is counterproductive and potentially dangerous. This tension highlights the complex nature of security planning in democratic societies where freedom and safety must be carefully balanced.

Lessons from a Global Crisis

The Israeli model isn't just about medical response; it's also about community engagement and preparedness. In Israel, where emergency services are integrated into civilian life, the idea of citizen participation in first-response scenarios is not new. But for American synagogues, which have typically focused more on spiritual support, this transition represents a shift in mindset — one that acknowledges the changing reality of modern threats.

Myers has conducted similar trainings for non-religious groups and other faith communities, underscoring the universal value of his approach. "We've learned from many mass casualty events around the world," he noted. "The key is being able to communicate effectively with first responders and know exactly how to assist them once they arrive."

The Human Element in Crisis Response

While technology and protocols are crucial, it's ultimately the human element that makes a difference in a crisis. In the minutes after an attack — often called the "golden hour" — every second counts. The ability to quickly assess injuries, provide initial aid, and communicate clearly with arriving first responders can mean the difference between life and death.

The volunteers trained by MDA are not medical professionals, but they are being equipped with the tools to act decisively under pressure. Their roles are vital: from applying tourniquets to directing ambulances, and from providing comfort to victims to ensuring that emergency personnel have a clear path through a chaotic environment.

A New Kind of Security Awareness

This initiative is more than just about training; it's also about fostering a sense of responsibility and unity within Jewish communities. It's an effort to show that even in the face of growing threats, people can come together and take action — not just for themselves but for others.

For many synagogue leaders, these trainings are a practical acknowledgment of reality. "We're not trying to be paranoid," one rabbi told me. "We're trying to be prepared." That mindset, born from lived experience and historical memory, is what drives these efforts forward.

Looking Forward

As we approach the High Holidays, the collaboration between Israeli medical professionals and American Jewish communities serves as a reminder that security is not just about hardware or law enforcement. It's about people — their courage, their training, and their commitment to protecting one another.

The work being done by MDA and CSS is part of a larger conversation about how to respond to evolving threats in a democratic society. In an era where attacks on religious communities are becoming more frequent, these trainings may well be the difference between a crisis that can be managed and one that cannot.

And while we can never fully predict what may come next, we can prepare for it — one training session, one volunteer, one moment of clarity at a time.