The Jewish Federation joined the world in monitoring the hostage situation that took place at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas on Saturday, January 15. While our prayers were answered as all hostages were freed, this incident underscores the need for additional funding to help secure our synagogues, schools and other Jewish institutions as antisemitic incidents continue to occur every day.
The Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and our Security Director are in contact with their counterparts locally and across the country to remain apprised of what is happening among our Jewish communities and how to keep them safe.
We are currently working with partners to provide updated security trainings in order to increase community knowledge, skills and comfort level in ensuring the safety of local schools, synagogues and agencies, in addition to the following efforts:
- Leadership Conversations
Rabbinic and professional leadership of our local synagogues and agencies are having a private conversation with Michael Balaban and select Jewish Federation professionals to share ideas and support each other during this difficult time. - Security Grant Webinars
Last week, we hosted an educational webinar offering basic guidance on Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) non-profit security grant applications. If you missed the session, you can view it here or contact alewis@jewishphilly.org with questions. - Advocacy Opportunities
Jewish Federations are calling on Congress to double funding for FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to allow Jewish and other institutions targeted by hate, violence, and threats to protect their communities. Click here to contact your Members of Congress to urge them to double NSGP funding this year. - National Initiatives
Click here to learn more about Jewish Federations' LiveSecure campaign to advance the security and safety of Jewish communities. - New Training Program
Secure Community Network (SCN) launched “BeAware - Introduction to Situational Awareness,” a new training program to help protect community members from violence. The program was designed in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement by security professionals who specifically worked within the Jewish community. Training topics include enhancing situational awareness; identifying safety and security threats; recognizing and reporting suspicious activity; and learning how to be an active participant in the safety of your community. Register here for the training on January 27 at 12:00 p.m. - Statewide Forum
We are organizing a Statewide Forum on Extremism and Hate with the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, Jewish Federation of Harrisburg, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, ADL Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. Save the date for Tuesday, February 22 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. More details will be provided.
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You can help us keep our communities secure and stand against hate and bigotry by making a gift at jewishphilly.org/donate. To learn more about JCRC, please click here or email JCRC Director Jason Holtzman at Jholtzman@jewishphilly.org
