Richard Priem: The ‘age of security’ has ended for US Jews
Summary
Host Amanda Borchel-Dunn interviews Richard Priem, CEO of the Community Security Task Force, about protecting Jewish communities in the US. Priem discusses CSS’s volunteer model, which trains community members in security awareness and self-defense for synagogues, campuses, and public spaces. He highlights recent expansions into campus safety programs and shares examples of volunteers preventing attacks through vigilance and coordination with law enforcement.
Topics discussed
Introduction and podcast promo
Richard Priem's background and Aliyah
Military service in Israeli paratroopers
The community security model and its history
Rising threats and normalization of security in US
Impact of October 7 and campus security programs
Student training success and day school programs
CSS structure, staff, and volunteer empowerment
Volunteer impact and real-world prevention examples
Sponsor message from Times of Israel
De-escalation tactics and student leadership
Case studies: Preventing attacks through vigilance
Profiling vs. welcoming community screening
Event security planning and digital hygiene
Online research by perpetrators and barriers
The reality of hiding Jewish identity and conclusion
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