Synagogue Security: Why Guard Presence Is Essential During the High Holy Days

During the High Holy Days, synagogues become vibrant centers of worship and community. Sanctuaries fill, parking lots overflow, and schedules are widely publicized.

Unfortunately, this visibility also brings risk. In recent years, antisemitic threats and attacks have continued to rise across the country, making synagogue security a vital responsibility, not a discretionary one.

Top Security Threats in Industrial FacilitiesTop Security Threats In Industrial FacilitiesThe Prayers Near Western WallHate Crime Trends: The Rising Challenge of Antisemitism in America
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Chief Robert C. Lawson - Co-Founder and CEO

Chief Lawson began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a foot patrolman for the Lakewood Police Department. He continually rose through the ranks of the department until he was appointed Chief in 2006. Chief Lawson served in that position until his mandated retirement, a decade later. During Chief Lawson’s lengthy tenure, he helped reduce crime and increase the quality of life in a uniquely diverse and fast-growing municipality. He forged close working relationships with leading federal, state, county, and local law enforcement officials, as well as community leaders of all ethnicities. Chief Lawson holds degrees from Columbia University, Rutgers University, Fairleigh Dickinson University and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA; as well as elite training credentials with the NJ Police Training Commission and Ocean County Police Academy. He is a member of the NJ Certified Public Manager’s Association, the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association, The NJ State Association Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
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Moshe Fromowitz - Co-founder and COO

As a business owner and parent, Moshe is keenly aware of the contemporary security needs of businesses, communities, and educational institutions. Since the founding of IronRock Security, Moshe had dedicated himself to lead the company from a startup to a premier security firm. Moshe effectively manages company operations alongside the micro details of IronRock clients. Moshe is well-liked and respected by security personnel and clients alike, and is easily reachable for questions and feedback. With management skills and unyielding attention to detail, Moshe promotes professionalism, reliability, and flexibility in a pleasant work environment.
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Rose Tyberg - VP Operations

Rose manages the IronRock office and client relations in an organized, friendly manner. She develops an effective rapport with clients, employees and vendors. On a day-to-day basis, Rose ensures that overall operations run smoothly and effectively.
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Steve Lichtenstein - Business Development

Steve is on the front line of bid opportunities and contracting. He has developed a keen understanding of the field both from a business perspective as well as a practical security outlook. With his eye for detail, he services and promotes government relations.
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Doron Horowitz - Chief Security Officer (CSO)

With a lengthy career in security and protection spanning three continents, Doron brings a sense of professionalism and industry expertise to IronRock. Doron served as a decorated officer in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) for over 2 decades and is a credited and certified alumnus of the International Institute for Counterterrorism (ICT- Herzliya, Israel). Doron also holds a degree from John J College of Criminal Justice (NY). Doron has made a career consulting, advising, and training in national and private security for corporate, private, government and non-profit clientele. The scope of these includes implementation of security strategies and emergency management plans, risk-threat assessment and mitigation culminating with the training in the necessary protocols and procedures. Doron previously served as the National Security Advisor to a Homeland Security initiative, National Security Director for Jewish communities in Canada, Director of Corporate Security Protection Programs for a major financial institution and acted as a special advisor for the protection of faith-based communities in North America. At IronRock Security, Doron leads our Strategic Development and Special Projects Division in providing our clients with specialized and confidential consulting services to include emergency preparedness and response, training education and instruction as well as a broad scope of security related matters.
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Eli Kerman - Client Relations Manager

As the Client Relations Manager at IronRock Security, Eli is dedicated to nurturing strong, long-term partnerships with our clients. With a focus on building trust and delivering exceptional service, Eli ensures that our clients’ needs are met with the highest level of professionalism. He actively engages with both clients and security officers, facilitating open lines of communication to foster healthy and transparent relationships. By meeting regularly with clients, Eli gains a deep understanding of their unique security needs, allowing IronRock Security to tailor our services to exceed expectations. Through his commitment to client satisfaction, Eli plays a crucial role in securing long-term contracts and maintaining IronRock Security’s reputation as a trusted partner in safety and protection.
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Kristen Marques - Director of Operations and Business Development

Kristen oversees the hiring process. She applies her years of experience in HR and security to match guards to jobs by focusing on the expectations and nuances of specific job sites. Kristen also manages scheduling and performance oversight for the company. She uses clear communication and system implementation to create a healthy work environment for our employees, and provides quality service to our clients. Kristen’s straightforward and pleasant demeanor results in a high employee retention rate (94%). Her attentive listening skills result in complete customer satisfaction and multiple contract renewals.
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Cheryl McCleary - Human Resource and Scheduling Manager

As the Human Resources Manager at IronRock Security, Cheryl plays an integral role in shaping our workplace culture and ensuring that our team thrives. With a keen eye for talent, Cheryl leads our recruiting and hiring efforts, ensuring we bring in the best and brightest to join our team. She also oversees employee orientations and training programs, helping new hires integrate seamlessly and develop their skills. In addition to recruiting and training, Cheryl manages employee benefits, ensuring our team members have access to the resources they need to succeed. Her comprehensive approach to all human resource issues ensures a supportive and efficient work environment, making IronRock a great place to work.
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Krissy Curnyn - Security Coordinator

For nearly 20 years, Krissy has worked on security coordination and student travel. Her SORA and TWIC certification, coupled with superior communication and management skills, have enabled her to earn accolades from colleagues and clients alike. At IronRock, Krissy effectively manages unarmed security details for traveling students throughout the United States.
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Katie Rekosik - Office Assistant

Katie has been a fantastic addition to our team, bringing exceptional organization and efficiency to everything she does. As our Office Assistant, she plays a vital role in the hiring process, conducting interviews and onboarding new candidates with professionalism and care. Katie’s ability to juggle multiple tasks seamlessly makes her invaluable in keeping our operations running smoothly. Her dedication and attention to detail ensure that every aspect of the office is well-managed, contributing significantly to our team’s success.
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Al Steinberg – Chief Operating Officer

Al, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), brings extensive experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer at IronRock. His impressive track record of helping organizations operate profitably makes him a valuable asset to our team. Al oversees all aspects of IronRock’s operations, ensuring every department runs efficiently and effectively. With his leadership and strategic vision, IronRock is poised for growth and continued success. Al’s hands-on approach and dedication drive our mission forward, making him an integral part of our organization’s future.
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Hudi Strickman – Sales Director

Hudi is a driven and dedicated Sales Director who brings unmatched passion and enthusiasm to every aspect of his work. Known for his relentless commitment to excellence, Hudi never stops until the job is done and done right. With a results-oriented mindset and a deep love for building strong client relationships, he inspires both his team and clients alike. Hudi’s energy and determination are the foundation of his success, making him a vital leader in driving growth and achieving outstanding results.
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Shmuel Fromowitz – Finance Director

Shmuel serves as our Finance Director, expertly managing the financial operations that keep our company running smoothly. His responsibilities include reconciling the billing process, ensuring compliance for interstate contracts, and overseeing all accounts payable and receivable. Additionally, Shmuel handles all business licensing, enabling IronRock to operate seamlessly across 12 states. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to efficiency, Shmuel ensures that financial records are accurate, bills are paid on time, and operations remain fully compliant. His expertise and dedication make him an integral part of our team’s success.
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Rich Lerche – Field Manager

Rich Lerche is our Field Manager at IronRock Security. Rich is a highly valued member of our organization, possessing more than 25 years of comprehensive experience across various sectors, including law enforcement, armed security, executive protection, and behavioral health administration. Furthermore, he has significant experience in offering security consulting services to faith-based communities. Rich's considerable expertise is indispensable to his responsibilities in overseeing our security operations, where he is dedicated to maintaining stringent quality control and ensuring efficacious management practices. His background underscores his dedication to the provision of exceptional security services.