(Photo : Israeli Tactical School)

In recent years, both the United States and Israel have faced significant security challenges. In Israel, the threat of terrorism remains a constant concern, as the nation has been standing its ground against foreign enemies for decades. Real-world terrorist attacks continue occur in Israel on a regular basis, such as a coordinated July 2023 car ramming incident in Tel Aviv, which left at least seven people injured, or the most recent Palestinian gunman attack in its downtown, resulting in a death of an Israeli security guard.

With the need for effective security measures in Israel being paramount, it is only natural that the Israeli security doctrine constantly evolves to adapt to ongoing threats. Therefore, security organizations based on Israeli counter-terrorism experience tactics bring unparalleled training opportunities into the global market, as well as to the local communities.

A Multifaceted Approach to Counter-Terrorism and Security

One of the Israeli-rooted private security institutions operates out of the United States as the Israeli Tactical School. According to their official sources, ITS was founded in 2011 by Tomer Israeli, a veteran of Israel's elite Sayeret Matkal reconnaissance unit and a former officer in the Israeli internal security service, Shin Bet. The school provides state-of-the-art training in counter-terrorism, executive protection, and various other specialized security disciplines.

Headquartered in Florida with several other locations across the United States, the academy is operating internationally with its broad array of tailored programs, ranging from Live Fire Close Quarters Battle (CQB) to SWAT and Air Marshal training. Its client roster is equally diverse, serving everyone from federal agencies to private sector. Within the past two years, ITS has conducted training projects for a notable range of customers, including the Army SWAT Police of Shanghai (China), the Thailand CSD Federal Police Commando, the King of Malaysia personal security detail, and the police unit of the U.S. Pentagon. Such partnerships reflect the increasing global demand for extensive security training and expertise.

Addressing the U.S. Surge in anti-Semitism Through Tactical Training

Recent years have seen a surge in anti-Semitic incidents and hate crimes in the U.S. According to a new report by the Anti-Defamation League, anti-Semitic incidents increased by 36% in 2022, reaching the highest level since 1979. Tragic episodes like the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, which was the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the United States, underscore the urgency of implementing robust security measures.

The Israeli Tactical School's approach, heavily influenced by the Shin Bet mindset focusing on mental resilience, adaptability, and situational awareness, offers a unique set of tools that can be applied to combat not just international terrorism but also domestic hate crimes and antisemitism. This training regimen can empower law enforcement and security professionals to act decisively and effectively when dealing with incidents fueled by racial or religious hatred.

A Real-world Application of Tactical Preparedness

Beyond tactical training, the school encourages cultivating a specific mindset, one that doesn't just react to danger but actively anticipates and neutralizes threats. This proactive approach can be crucial for potential first responders, from law enforcement agents to community watch groups. By doing so, this training not only increases the odds of neutralizing a threat but also serves as a deterrent to potential hate crimes.

Particularly for communities that are most vulnerable to anti-Semitic attacks, such as visibly identifiable Jews, the tactics taught by the Israeli Tactical School can offer a form of self-defense that goes beyond physical barriers or increased police presence. It trains individuals to be their own first line of defense, thereby reducing the perceived vulnerability that often makes them targets in the first place.

A Paradigm Shift in Security Training

In a landscape where the antisemitism of the far-right and far-left are infiltrating mainstream American culture, the Israeli Tactical School's training modules offer more than just physical preparedness; they offer a paradigm shift. A shift from a reactionary security model to one that is proactively geared to expect, prepare for, and neutralize threats, particularly those of an anti-Semitic nature. The ability to anticipate and adapt to situations, a core part of the Shin Bet mindset, is exactly what is required in a country grappling with rising domestic terrorism and hate crimes.

Past Lessons for a Safe Future

The increasing frequency of anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. is a wake-up call that demands immediate readiness. The Israeli Tactical School, with its specialized training modules and real-world effectiveness, offers a tangible solution for a problem that is becoming increasingly complex and alarming. As the academy continues to equip a new generation of professionals and civilians with the skills and mindset necessary for this tumultuous landscape, it stands as a beacon in the ongoing battle against domestic terrorism and hate crimes.

Indeed, in a world where the margin for error is ever shrinking, the Israeli Tactical School offers not just tactics, but also the wisdom of hard-won experience. And perhaps, that is its most vital lesson of them all.