Back to Reality

It was nice to be away for a week or so and not hear much in the way of current events. The cruise had no newspaper but you could watch Fox news or CNN. I didn't have much time to watch which was fine. Going through all the security on the plane and ship I started thinking where a terrorist would strike to inflict significant damage. Although I think the plane's and ships's security are penetrable, it is now somewhat more difficult. There are much easier targets to pursue.

If they wanted to target Jews, which seem to be a constant, I think they could easily inflict significant casualties. My synagogue has no security and in this regard we are way behind other countries. When travelling to Vienna a couple of years ago, it was very difficult to enter the synagogue. The street was blocked off and guarded by armed soldiers. Entry was granted only after a brief interview. There is no deterrent from a terrorist entering my synagogue on any Saturday with a bomb or machine gun causing a massacre.

My children's Jewish school is "protected" by a person sitting at a desk asking people to sign in when they arrive. I do not believe they are armed but even if they were they are a minimal deterrent to a determined armed terrorist. Scary thought what could occur.

The scariest scenario, however, would be at a sleep away summer camp. It is very easy to google Jewish camp and determine their locations. They are filled with many children and few adults. They are located in isolated, remote areas. They are in rural towns which are very spread out and with minimal police forces. As far as I know there is no security in these camps and they would be easy targets. It is too painful to imagine what could happen with one crazy terrorist carrying a weapon and lots of ammo.

In typical American/non-Israeli style, security will only be implemented after the first attack. Unfortunately, the best protection I have is that statistically it would be a long shot that my synagogue, school or camp will be the first one hit. Once there is a hit, which is only a matter of time, no cost will be spared to ensure security. It's too bad we can't be proactive, predict their moves and act pre-emptively. Instead we act reponsively, after it is too late. Pretty depressing thoughts.