In a year of unprecedented Jewish hate, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has heightened its efforts to secure the community.
In partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, the Jewish Federation provided more than 1,000 personnel at over 70 organizations with nearly 250 security trainings, walkthroughs and consultations – free of charge – in Fiscal Year 2024.
“This year, we have seen heightened threats to the Jewish community, which is why it is critical to be vigilant and proactive about safety,” said Scott Kerns, Jewish Federation’s security director. “In response to the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, we have bolstered our efforts to address the increase in antisemitic incidents that we have seen on the local level.”
Hear from some of the organizations that recently received security assistance from the Jewish Federation and discover how these resources have helped them create safe spaces for their communities to congregate.
"Thanks to the Jewish Federation’s emergency training, we have a fresh perspective on our camp’s safety protocols. Our camp becomes a 24/7 home for our campers and staff, and trainings like these allow us to continue this mission so that they can enjoy full Jewish freedom and exploration.”
- Benjy Goldberg, director of operations and retreats for Camp Ramah
"One of the most reassuring things for me about working with SCN/Jewish Federation has been the extremely high level of expertise and experience they brought to us, and that there is a specific focus on safety within the Jewish community and our spaces. They presented a reassuring picture of the need to be prepared without being panicked.”
- Sharon Gornstein, president of Mishkan Shalom
"At Shir Ami, in addition to security assessments, upgrades, and enhancements, the Jewish Federation provided our congregants with Counter Active Threat Training (CATT). At its core, the training emphasized steps we can take to address threats as they occur and the importance of taking such actions to protect those around us.”
- Mo Perera, past president for Shir Ami
"The security training provided by the Jewish Federation covered all the critical points specific to our community’s bubble. It was clear and straightforward, and everything truly resonated with me. It left me feeling more secure, knowing that our school is better prepared and still aware of the world around us.”
- Margie Schultz, assistant director for Chabad Lubavitch
***
By making a gift to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign at jewishphilly.org/give, you show that we are Here As One to create a more secure and vibrant Jewish future.
Are you a Jewish institution looking for security guidance and training? Visit jewishphilly.org/security-resources.