In the early morning drive to his office, David Folderauer prepares for a new kind of challenge. With decades of experience in law enforcement, Folderauer is no stranger to protecting our Baltimore communities. Now, as the new director of security for the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC), an agency of The Associated, Folderauer talks about how The Associated is protecting our Jewish organizations.

A Legacy of Service

“I’ve been doing this just about my whole adult life. It is in my family. My grandfather was a city police sergeant, my great grandfather retired as a city police lieutenant and my great, great grandfather back in the 1890s was on the police force as well,” shares Folderauer. “Today, even my son is a police officer at the Franklin precinct.”

“I’m honored to be a part of this community, especially with everything going on in the world today. I’ve never witnessed anything like this before, and for every incident that’s reported, you can bet there are five to ten more that go unreported.”

Folderauer is not just talking about the Israel-Gaza war; he’s also referring to what we are facing right here at home.

The surge in antisemitism — both globally and locally — demands a vigilant and strategic approach to security. Folderauer’s transition from law enforcement to community security is not just a career shift; it’s a calling. 

His experience on the front lines of Baltimore County’s toughest precincts and his vast connections to law enforcement chiefs across the state have equipped him with the skills needed to anticipate and neutralize threats.  

Facing New Threats

“I sent out a security checklist to all area synagogues in the weeks before the event. We encouraged them to identify their own security committees made up of their congregation members. After all, who knows the community better? And of course, we made sure both county and city law enforcement were fully aware.”

Coordinated Efforts and Training

His partnership with the Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (MCAC) and the Secure Community Network (SCN) provides weekly check-ins with all the security directors from across the country to share information and review emergency plans.  

“In regard to the community-wide event on October 7th, the SCN was alerted and was using their algorithms to monitor social media for any potential threats that could negatively affect our event.” 

Folderauer is also tasked with reviewing security protocols that are currently in place at The Associated’s properties as well as offering security assessments across the community.

“Since starting here in April, I’ve already conducted about two dozen assessments, particularly for organizations applying for grants that require a security check as part of the application process,” explains Folderauer.

Folderauer also provides training on a wide range of topics, from active shooter scenarios to situational awareness, tailored to meet the specific needs of any group.

“We recently conducted a situational awareness training at Pearlstone for about 75 BBYO counselors that were about to go overseas. By simulating different scenarios, we are helping people to think through their responses and understand how to protect themselves and others, even in non-traumatic situations.”

Looking Ahead

How We Keep the Community Safe

As Jewish communities across the country continue to face the highest increase in religiously motivated hate crimes, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore remains dedicated to protecting the Baltimore community. Here’s how:

Provide community-wide training programs and webinars to include active shooter scenarios and situational awareness.
Collaborate with local and national law enforcement agencies.
Conduct comprehensive security audits for nearly 200 synagogues, day schools and other Maryland Jewish institutions.
Review emergency plans and assist with security grant applications.
Invest in state-of-the-art security systems and advanced technologies.
Secure over $12 million in security funding across our Jewish institutions, schools and community centers.
Increase professional security personnel as needed.

Visit associated.org/security for more information.