WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Repairs were underway Monday at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, where authorities say a man rammed a vehicle into the synagogue last week, as area organizations are stepping in to provide mental health support for families and staff shaken by the attack.
Temple leaders are also seeking temporary space to continue services and programming, while the building remains temporarily closed.
In a social media post, Temple Israel said it is pausing programming through Tuesday (Mar. 17).
Families over the weekend and through Monday were directed to the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit (The J), where they could speak with victim specialists and reclaim personal belongings left at the temple.
Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit is offering counseling and other support to community members affected by the incident through its crisis response team.
“We built this crisis response team years ago — kind of like building a firetruck hoping you’d never have to use the firetruck — and oh my gosh we’ve had to use it over and over and over again,” said Perry Ohren, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit.
Ohren said the attack has caused the organization to reconsider its own security measures.
“I got to work this morning, and people were wondering are we doing more security-wise? It feels really scary to be here,” Ohren said.
“On one hand, again, we’re all traumatized and terrorized,” he said. “On the other hand, the juxtaposition of the miracle that happened that nobody was killed is amazing.”
Common Ground, a nonprofit that has responded to other crises in Southeast Michigan, is also helping connect people to mental health resources, said Jamie Ayers, the organization’s senior director of community impact.
Ayers said the demand has been consistent throughout the weekend.
“The turnout’s been really well. A lot of people have visited, which means they’re getting the resources that they need,” Ayers said. “It’s been steady, I would say, since Saturday.”
Common Ground has provided mental health support following high-profile tragedies, including the 2021 Oxford High School shooting and the September attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc.
“You can choose what you’d like to do, and sometimes now is not the time right away, sometimes people need resources down the road,” Ayers said.
Jewish Family Service is offering free, drop-in hours this week for anyone seeking to meet with a mental health professional, whether for a one-time conversation or ongoing support.
“There’ll be a support group on Saturday morning for moms and tots, there’s a parent support group tonight — there’s all kinds of things,” Ohren said. “As people need and demand help, we are here to try to wrap our arms around people.”
The attack unfolded Thursday afternoon when a man drove a vehicle into Temple Israel. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the attacker was confronted by security and died.
A security guard was injured after being struck by the vehicle and is expected to recover. The FBI has described the incident as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.
To schedule a mental health appointment through Jewish Community Service, call 248-592-2313.
Resources through Common Ground can be accessed through its 24/7 support line at 1-800-231-1127.
Donations to Tempel Israel can be made here.