At a recent conference addressing antisemitism, discussions about the training of police officers assigned to guard Jewish institutions took a personal turn when Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, Ashkenazi rabbi of Turkey and chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States, emphasized the human element of security. Rather than focusing solely on tactical preparedness, he advocated for simple gestures of care and kindness, such as ensuring officers have coffee, food, and a smile—a reflection of an ancient teaching to greet others with a pleasant face.

Rabbi Chitrik’s perspective draws heavily from the experience of the Jewish community in Turkey, particularly following the terrorist attacks in November 2003 that targeted two Istanbul synagogues, Neve Shalom and Beth Israel. The attacks resulted in the deaths of community members gathered for Shabbat prayers, bystanders, and Turkish police officers and guards who were responsible for protecting these Jewish sites. He highlighted the sacrifices of these security personnel, many of whom are not Jewish themselves but bear the burden of guarding a community that is not their own.

This experience shaped Rabbi Chitrik’s view of Jewish security as a shared responsibility that extends beyond physical protection to encompass mutual respect and acknowledgment between communities. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the human behind the security role, noting that guards often face personal hardships such as working in harsh conditions and giving up family time.

Reflecting on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Rabbi Chitrik noted that confronting evil requires more than defensive measures—it demands the active addition of light through education, relationship-building, and community engagement. This approach was underscored during a recent meeting with Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, who made a point to personally greet each security official encountered, a small but significant gesture demonstrating recognition and respect.

Since the escalation of violence in the region in October 2023, some Jewish organizations have withdrawn from engagement with governments or institutions deemed hostile. While understanding the impulse behind these decisions, Rabbi Chitrik cautioned against prolonged disengagement, arguing that Jewish life must continue alongside those who may disagree or hold misunderstandings. He invoked the Talmudic imperative to avoid separation from the broader community and highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue, especially with those outside the Jewish community whose perceptions may be shaped by limited or inaccurate information.

This principle guided a recent visit by over 120 theology students from Istanbul Marmara University to the Ashkenazi Synagogue in Istanbul. The students arrived with questions rooted in curiosity and preconceptions; while they did not all leave converted to new viewpoints, the encounter transformed abstract ideas about Jews into personal human connections.

Rabbi Chitrik concluded that strong security measures and legal protections are necessary but insufficient to combat antisemitism. The most enduring defense lies in the visible and confident presence of Jewish life within the public sphere, fostering relationships grounded in recognition and respect. He called for starting with small acts, such as learning the names of those who stand guard at synagogue doors, as foundational steps toward healing and coexistence.