To the Editor:

We would like to express our admiration and deepest gratitude for the support we have received from the town in these past two weeks since the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 27. The police coverage wisely provided for our synagogue and the other houses of worship in town was very reassuring to the congregants on our Sunday education program, which we ran as scheduled on October 28. Since then, the police department has been very supportive in guiding us with suggestions to upgrade the security in and around our building. Police coverage at our memorial service on November 3 was also very reassuring and greatly appreciated.

It is unfortunate that houses of worship have become primary targets of attack. We are in the process of upgrading our surveillance, communications, and lock systems. Fortunately, recent advances in technology make this easier and cheaper than just a few years ago. In light of similar unfortunate events in churches in South Carolina and Texas, we recommend that our fellow houses of worship in Newtown do the same. Even the slightest improvement in controlling the entrance to the building or communications inside can make a big difference. Unfortunately, houses of worship have become the new venue of choice for heavily armed, disenfranchised aggressors.

Once again, our sincerest thanks to those who helped us through this difficult time.

David Wiener, Board Member

Congregation Adath Israel

115 Huntingtown Road, Newtown         November 7, 2018