CST working to protect the kehilla with the visit of the Belz Rebbe

CST was privileged to assist the Belz community in Stamford Hill with the first visit by Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach to the UK in 23 years. The Belz community approached CST just under two months before the trip, seeking assistance. There were numerous highly detailed planning meetings which led to Belz, CST and two commercial security companies working together in close partnership before and throughout the visit. 

CST assisted with both the training and the equipment for the security operation for the visit, with security equipment given to use free of charge. CST’s Head of Training worked alongside our Stamford Hill team leader to ensure the security marshals were prepared and they liaised with Police throughout the visit. CST’s own Stamford Hill team, supplemented by senior office staff, helped secure each stage of the visit. CST’s head of regional security stayed in Stamford Hill over Shabbos to further assist the community.

CST assisted in securing over 1,500 people who welcomed the Rebbe in the streets of Stamford Hill. CST also aided with securing several thousand people over the following week, including over 5,000 people who davened on Shabbos evening and Shabbos morning and 10,000 people who saw the Rebbe home. CST’s Head of Training worked alongside our Stamford Hill team leader to ensure the security marshals were prepared and they liaised with Police throughout the visit.

In addition to the large security operation, both David S Delew and CST’s Stamford Hill team leader met the Rebbe. They discussed the history of CST, the work CST does and the support it receives. The Belz Rebbe endorsed CST, saying “definitely chassidim should be involved in this work and supporting it more”. He gave both CST representatives and their families, his blessing, also giving each of them a gold coin.  

David S Delew responded to the security operation and on meeting with the Rebbe: 

“This is exactly why CST has built a team within the kehilla. CST’s only purpose is to help Jewish life to flourish. Many tens of thousands of people joined the Rebbe during his visit, and it was an absolute privilege and a pleasure for us to play our part in helping to make it such a success. It was one of the lengthiest security operations that we have ever performed, but the partnership with Belz ensured that everything went very well indeed. For me personally, I found meeting the Rebbe to be a highly moving experience and I will never forget this very special time.”                

If you would like to help protect the Kehilla by becoming a CST security officer, please contact the CST training department.