Tuesday, September 10, 3:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus
The national security director for Secure Community Network, Brad Orsini, will participate in a panel discussion following the showing of the HBO documentary, A Tree of Life: The Pittsburg Synagogue Shooting in Tidewater.
In an interview with Jewish News, he shares his experiences of the day of the shooting, the lessons learned, and the work that SCN and local communities such as Tidewater’s, are undertaking daily to keep Jewish communities safe.
Jewish News: You were the director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Community Security at the time of the Tree of Life shooting. What was that day like for you?
Brad Orsini: October 27, 2018, was a day that changed our community forever and will always be etched in my heart. It was a day of immense tragedy and heartbreak, but also one of valuable lessons of the power of unity and the commitment to action. In my close to 30 years in the FBI as an agent who specialized in violent crimes, I never responded to a scene as tragic and devastating as the Pittsburgh Synagogue massacre.
As the director of community security, my immediate focus was on coordinating with law enforcement, ensuring the safety of our community, and supporting those directly affected. The chaos and emotional weight of that day are difficult to put into words. It was a stark reminder of the hatred that still exists and the vulnerability of our communities.
JN: What did you learn on October 27, 2018, that you are now teaching to or using to assist other communities prepare for a potential similar situation?
BO: The most critical lesson from that day was the importance of preparedness and training. We had invested in active shooter training and emergency response protocols, which undoubtedly saved lives. Now, at Secure Community Network, we emphasize the need for continuous training, situational awareness, and robust communication channels between the community and law enforcement. Ensuring that everyone knows their role in an emergency can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Prior to the tragedy, I had consulted with Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, the spiritual leader of the Tree of Life Synagogue, about preparedness tools in the event of an emergency which included a means of communicating with law enforcement. It was through those discussions with the rabbi that I convinced him to have a cell phone with him on Shabbat. The simple act of having a cell phone and the decision to commit to being prepared enabled the rabbi to be the first person to contact authorities and direct the crisis response team to the location of the shooter and victims.
JN: What was the impetus for the film?
BO: The impetus for the film, A Tree of Life, was to honor the victims, survivors, and the resilient spirit of the Pittsburgh community. We wanted to ensure that the stories of those affected were told, that the broader public could understand the impact of antisemitic violence, and that while this was the single deadliest attack on the Jewish community in American history, the commitment to train and act in an emergency undoubtedly saved countless lives. It’s a tribute to the strength and unity of our community, as well as a call to action against hate and bigotry.
JN: What do you want people to know about the film?
BO: I want people to know that this film is not just about the tragedy, but about the human spirit and the power of community. It’s a reflection of how we can come together in the face of adversity and support one another. It also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of combating antisemitism and hate in all its forms.
JN: What do you want people to learn?
BO: I hope people learn the value of resilience, the necessity of preparedness, and the importance of standing together against hatred. The film illustrates the profound impact of community support and the critical need for vigilance and proactive security measures. It’s a lesson in both the strength and fragility of our communities and that we all play a part in ensuring the safety of one another.
JN: Was the film difficult to make?
BO: Absolutely. The film was incredibly difficult to make. Revisiting the events of that day and hearing the stories of those who were directly impacted was heart-wrenching. However, it was also a cathartic process for many, allowing them to share their experiences and find some measure of healing through storytelling as well as an opportunity to share the life-saving training with others to avert further tragedy.
JN: Security has been a concern for Jewish communities for decades. Since Tree of Life, and October 7, that concern has increased to even higher levels. What is your advice for community leaders? And, for community members?
BO: For community leaders, my advice is to invest in security measures and training. Building strong relationships with local law enforcement and staying informed about potential threats is crucial. For community members, it’s important to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Participate in security training programs and understand the protocols in place. Above all, support one another and foster a sense of unity and resilience.
Despite this heightened threat environment, Secure Community Network has worked diligently to create a proactive security shield around North America’s Jewish communities. In 2023 alone, SCN conducted over 1,000 training sessions for the Jewish community which included Countering Active Threat (CATT) and Stop The Bleed, among others. From intelligence sharing to monitoring threats, coordinating with law enforcement, and providing preparedness training, we have created the conditions to allow Jewish life to continue and thrive. As a result of this infrastructure, absent any direct credible threats from law enforcement, we are encouraging synagogues, day schools, and other community centers to remain active and open.
JN: Additional comments?
BO: The Tree of Life tragedy was a profound reminder of the work we must continue to do to protect our communities and fight against hate. It’s essential to remember that we are stronger together. Through education, preparedness, and solidarity, we can create a safer, more inclusive world for everyone. The film, A Tree of Life, is a testament to that enduring spirit and a call to action for all of us.
We have dedicated mechanisms to report hate crimes and suspicious activity to our 24/7 Duty Desk and encourage communities to utilize our Security Director Network, which encompasses all 50 states. To report an incident, community members can go to
www.securecommunitynetwork.org/incidentreporting.
To reach a security director, email DutyDesk@SecureCommunityNetwork.org or Mgoldsmith@ujft.org.