Safeguarding Our Community

Did You Know:

• 2,717 antisemitic incidents in the United States in 2021, a 34% increase from the year 2020
• 1 in 3 Jewish students on a college campus experienced antisemitism in 2021

Sourced from the Anti-Defamation League

Working to Combat Antisemitism

In Fiscal Year 2022, the Jewish Federation supported  765+ events or activities locally and in Israel to educate participants about antisemitism. In addition, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) continues to teach the dangers of hatred and discrimination that led to the Holocaust, advocating for a more just and safe world while building a support system of interfaith leaders. 

"JCRC has been a great partner to us at Temple Hillel whenever there have been reports about an antisemitic or anti-Israel incident on campus."

- Rabbi Daniel Levitt, Executive Director, Temple Hillel

Expanding Our Safety Net

This past year, we launched an expanded initiative in partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America. Leveraging SCN's national resources and tools, the Jewish Federation continues to develop and administer a comprehensive program, providing risk mitigation, security consultations, assessments and training to our Jewish institutions throughout the region, under the leadership of Community Security Director Scott Kerns.

Need to report an incident? You can do so here. 

Making an Impact in Security

• In the first 60 days of our partnership with SCN, Kerns addressed 45 community security needs, including consultations, law enforcement briefings or event-related security staffing. In addition, more than 210 community members received safety training.
• As part of our LiveSecure Campaign and our government advocacy work, the region's local synagogues, schools and agencies may be eligible for $150,000 through federal security grants and $150,000 through state security grants.
• Institutions and organizations locally and in Israel received $276,000+ for security enhancements through Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) grants.

"I wanted to reiterate how valuable our dialogue was for me and ultimately for Federation Housing. The area of security is so very necessary yet can be complicated. [The Jewish Federation's] grant writer was able to provide meaningful suggestions for planning, assessments and next steps."

- Debbie Zlotnick, Fundraising Manager, Federation Housing Inc.

A Year After Colleyville

Just over a year ago, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and three other congregants from Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas were held hostage for 11 hours in an antisemitic attack. Crediting their escape to security courses they received from SCN and others, Rabbi Cytron-Walker encourages community members to participate in active shooter and security training.

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The work we do locally, in Israel and around the world is because of the support from friends like you. Call 215.832.0865 to speak with your gift officer or visit jewishphilly.org/donate.