Much Lauded Security Initiative Launches in Rockland

by M. C. Millman 

Thursday, July 28, law enforcement officials, elected officials, and members of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Rockland County, including Rockland Federation CEO Ari Rosenblum and Rockland County Executive Ed Day got together to announce a new security initiative aimed at protecting Rockland residents and institutions.

Ethan Erlich, a retired NYPD Detective with 21 years of experience, will be the new Director of the Rockland Security Initiative. The initiative will conduct formal and actionable vulnerability assessments for shuls, schools, camps, and other institutions in the Jewish community. It will also offer consulting and assistance to Jewish institutions with applications for non-profit security grants through State and Federal programs. In addition, it will offer active threat training, volunteer training, and other security-related education, develop and enhance relationships with law enforcement, share information and intelligence, and create communication networks across Jewish community institutions.

The new initiative will also work with local law enforcement to identify and address additional vulnerabilities as well as share best practices and learnings with other communities under threat.

"There is no place for hate in our Rockland County. It cannot and will not be tolerated. Take a trip across Rockland County. It's like going around the world." said District Attorney Walsh. 

While risk assessments, which are required for the federal non-profit security grant, are offered free in NYC from JCRC-NY, this is not the case for Rockland. As risk assessments can cost an average of $3,000, this cost alone has prevented many eligible organizations from applying for the much-needed security funding. 

"This is an endeavor I have worked to bring to our local non-profits for years," Legislator Aron Wieder tells Rockland Daily. "I am happy that, at last, all local non-profits, even those that run on shoestring budgets, will have a better chance at applying for this necessary funding."