As we all watch the news and continue to pray for peace, the Olam Tikvah Executive Committee and staff are focused intently on keeping Olam Tikvah safe and secure. OT is our home.  

Olam Tikvah has a strong and deep relationship with the law enforcement community. Since October 7, we have been in constant communication with our partners at Secure

Community Network (an organization specializing in Jewish institutions), the FBI and the Fairfax County Police Department who have guided us through multiple crises. They have reviewed our protocols and assured us our approach is appropriate and prudent for the current environment.  

They are in agreement that there are no credible threats in Northern Virginia as

well as metropolitan DC.  

Should the security professionals with whom we work advise of a change in our environment, these protocols will be modified as well. While they

strongly recommend that we do not put all of our security practices in mass

emails, we can tell you that the following measures are some of what we have

implemented: 

• Doors are locked all day.  

• We have a strict visitor policy that is implemented by all staff. 

• Through government funding we have added locks, shades, and security film on glass doors and windows to multiple spaces throughout the building. 

• Preschool and Religious School have comprehensive emergency plans and staff is trained in how to implement those plans. 

• FCPD has stepped up patrols throughout the Jewish community and continues to be a presence in our parking lot multiple times throughout the day and night. 

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me or to Rochelle Goldberg.

Michelle Pearlstein

President, Olam Tikvah Board of Directors