INBOX: The Million-Dollar Question – Where Is the Security at 770?
On the night a car repeatedly slammed into the entrance of 770, the question on everyone’s mind was painfully simple: How is this still possible?
Here’s the part that should make every Chossid deeply uncomfortable. Public records show that the nonprofits operating out of 770 have not been ignored when it comes to security funding. New York State’s own contract database lists $800,000 in homeland-security and nonprofit-security grant contracts awarded to Chabad headquarters–linked entities over the past several years. These are security-specific grants, separate from everyday donations, operating budgets, or general support.
And yet, after all that, we are still asking whether basic, visible vehicle-ram mitigation exists at the most iconic Jewish address in the world.
So it’s time to stop mumbling and ask the question out loud:
If the funding exists, why are we still relying on luck and last-second police response?
Where is the plan?
Where is the urgency?
Who is responsible for executing it—and who has the authority to say yes?
We can no longer hide behind the ongoing “legal dispute” between the Gabbaim and Merkos as an excuse for paralysis. Security is not politics. It is not turf. It is life and death. Internal disagreements do not suspend responsibility.
Anash deserve transparency. Not slogans. Not reassurances. An actual accounting. What grants were awarded? Which funds were drawn down? What was installed? What wasn’t—and why?
Because when $800,000 in security funding is associated with 770, yet the building still feels exposed, something is broken. And pretending otherwise is no longer an option.
Former CH member
Check the houses of the officials of the organization that got the security grant. See if they have a new alarm and closed circuit camera system. That may answer your question
Yankel Todres
Well, all the offices in 784-788 got a fancy card-entry locking system, and a bunch of security cameras were put up around the building.
Joe Shmoe
I agree with you.
The people/organization that received the grant, used it exclusively for the upstairs offices. For the downstairs, they couldn’t care less about.
P.S.
It’s not a million dollar question. It’s only $800K question …. HA HA HA
Mendy
Thank you for posting this article and I hope we get a answer to where the money went to
CHLEAKS
Now do the CHJCC
800?
Honestly, $800k is not a lot at all for a building that size, especially with so many different parts/offices, and without specifying over how many year. an average small shul uses 800k in security grants for cameras, lighting, and locks/entry systems.
Bottom line
Without commenting on the 800k..
Two security recommendations
1) there should be no thru traffic , passing 770. As it is during tishrei,
it’s a safety hazard
2) there should be a security guard at every entrance
Either lock the door , or have a security guard as most shuls across the USA have
Wrong...
As someone who works in grants a medium sized school uses about 200k-250k in security grants..800k for 770 should allow that building to be completely decked out. So yeah mystery
Shliach
Thank you for speaking out on this very important matter!
There is absolutely no excuse for the current situation in 770. Everyone is washing their hands and doing what is best for their own seat, not thinking about the boat as a whole. The truth is that the Gabboim ALONG with Merkos and Aguch are ALL responsible for what is going on in 770. None can claim that this is not on them. None. They are
Anonymous
Mercosz kehos they got plenty money from the government for security for cameras and all that stuff
Anonymous
There’s plenty police there you don’t need security. You need just a beam over there that a car can’t drive in. The main thing that we need is to make 770 bigger and more room. The danger is there’s not enough space
Mushkie
As chassidim, let me state the obvious: The first step to security is to check the mezuzos of 770! When was the last time it was done? Are any doors or archways missing mezuzos?
770 expansion
On very short explanation, 770 will never see an expansion for few simple reasons.
At most it will be an adjacent building to 770 from the back from Kingston eras nashim till union. with maybe a connecting acces.
Here is why
See next psot.
770 expansion (2)- here is why
1. Who ever pay for the renovations and expansion will claim ownership. Each side dont let the other.
2. As much as The meshichitim want the expansion they need 770 to remain like a museum to mimik the Rebbe walking in and the seating, fabrgen etc.
3. Most of Chabad are very nostalgic about the iconic landmark. The next generation still identify with 770 with what they see in pictures & videos