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Protecting Our Community, Together

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Together, we’re strengthening a responsive Jewish community

JShield provides expert assessments, security training, grant support, and trusted partnerships—working hand-in-hand with synagogues, schools, and institutions of all sizes to build a culture of security grounded in care and confidence.

Witnessed something suspicious? Report it to our security team—your information will be handled promptly and confidentially. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Report an incident

“Federation’s training sessions are informative and provide staff with a sense of vigilance, awareness, and readiness, putting our minds at ease.”

- Lindsay Feldman, Executive Director, Washington Hebrew Congregation

JShield strengthens Jewish institutions across Greater Washington by focusing on four core areas of community security:

  • Awareness: We share timely alerts, situational updates, and threat assessments to keep Jewish institutions informed and responsive.
  • Facility Enhancements: We conduct professional site assessments and advise on practical steps to strengthen physical security (target hardening)
  • Training & Preparedness: We offer free, customized trainings—from situational awareness to crisis response—designed to build confidence, preparedness, and resilience.
  • Law Enforcement Coordination: We maintain close working relationships with local and federal law enforcement to support proactive planning and rapid response.

Our Approach

Security starts with understanding your environment. JShield works directly with leadership at Jewish institutions to assess current safety needs, conduct thorough security walkthroughs, develop strategic security roadmaps, and support grant applications for local, state, and federal funding.

Our Partners

We work closely with trusted organizations—including the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Secure Community Network (SCN), and Community Security Service (CSS)—to provide 24/7 threat monitoring, intelligence analysis, training, and crisis response.

Through these partnerships, JShield extends access to real-time resources that strengthen the safety and resilience of our community.

United for Security, United in Purpose United for Security, United in Purpose
United for Security, United in Purpose
Reflecting on a powerful day on Capitol Hill, a Federation leader shares how unity, advocacy, and real relationships are driving Jewish communal security forward. Joined by hundreds from across the U.S., the Greater Washington delegation urged Congress to expand security funding and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Jewish life locally and nationally.
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This isn’t business as usual This isn’t business as usual
This isn’t business as usual
As violence intensifies in Israel and antisemitic threats rise at home, the Greater Washington Jewish community rallies in solidarity. Federation is responding with urgent trauma care, shelter support, and enhanced local security through JShield—mobilizing resources to protect and care for communities on both fronts.
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We Grieve Together. We Stand Together We Grieve Together. We Stand Together
We Grieve Together. We Stand Together
In a devastating antisemitic attack in Washington, DC, community members Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were murdered—robbing our community of two devoted peacebuilders whose lives were rooted in compassion and connection. As we grieve their loss, the Greater Washington Jewish community stands united in sorrow, strength, and a renewed commitment to confront hate together.
read more
Headshot photo of Russell H.

Russell H. “Rusty” Rosenthal

Executive Director, Community Security

Rosenthal most recently served as Vice President, Security, and Law Enforcement for ADL, and joins Federation with 25 years of investigative, executive leadership, and legal experience with the FBI, including in Israel, where he led the FBI office from 2019-2022.

Rosenthal has an extensive operational background in high-risk, complex environments, and has led diverse teams in investigating cyber, counterterrorism, criminal, as well as internal investigations. This expertise, coupled with his significant experience in evaluating security vulnerabilities, conducting risk assessments, and developing risk mitigation plans will be a tremendous asset to the Greater Washington community and Federation.

Headshot photo of Shay HaLevi

Shay HaLevi

Deputy Director, Community Security

Shay’s career began as an IDF Lieutenant in the Landmines and Explosive Unit, progressing to Master Sergeant in the Israeli Special Police Force (Lahav 433), specializing as an undercover detective. Over a decade, he gained experience in offensive and defensive training, developing a comprehensive skill set for real-time combat Participating in joint operations with Israeli intelligence, including ISA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mossad, Shay excels in field and urban warfare, threat assessment, and investigation. Now, with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, he brings extensive experience, dedicating years to diverse roles within the Jewish community. As the former Security Director at CESJDS, Shay ensured community safety, showcasing proficiency. His professional journey transitioned seamlessly to the United States, where he assumed pivotal security roles in local synagogues. A Bar Ilan University graduate in Social Studies majoring in Criminology and Penology, Shay combines academic knowledge with practical expertise.

Headshot photo of Dr. Adam Bronstone

Dr. Adam Bronstone

Grant Specialist

Dr. Adam Bronstone has worked in the Jewish communal field for two decades, including several federations in the United States and Canada. During this time, he has had community relations and security-related responsibilities, including working with law enforcement, conducting security assessments, and helping Jewish organizations apply for and receive federal and state security grants for needed security enhancements. Adam has also worked with Jewish organizations in the post-award management of security grants phase. Adam has a doctorate in political science and is well-versed in security-related issues, including the rise and current state of antisemitism and hate crimes in general.

Headshot photo of Laura Katzif

Laura Katzif

Community Security Advisor – NOVA

Laura joins our team in conjunction with her current role as Director of Security for the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia.  She is responsible for all aspects of security, to include incident response, assessments, physical security including CCTV, access control, and alarm systems, guard force, grants, and training for members of the community. Laura has over 20 years of experience in corporate security, crisis and emergency management, and business continuity. She has worked with Georgetown University’s Office of University Safety, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Fairfax County’s Health Department and Office of Emergency Management, and the World Bank. Laura is a certified firefighter/paramedic, a member of ASIS International, the leading professional organization for security professionals, and the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals.

Headshot photo of Ty Mooney

Ty Mooney

Intelligence Analyst

Ty’s career began in law enforcement, where he served as a police officer and investigator for the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland for six years. During that time, he gained specialized experience in open source intelligence and social media investigations. Now with Federation, Ty brings analytical and technical skills to help increase our community’s situational awareness and strengthen our security posture. Ty has a master’s degree in cybersecurity technology and a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice.

All services are provided free of charge to Jewish institutions in the Greater Washington area.
About Security Grant Writing

In 2024, we helped secure $3.8 million in government grants for local Jewish institutions.

JShield is here to help your organization navigate the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) and other funding opportunities. Our team provides free, hands-on support to Jewish institutions across Greater Washington—helping you strengthen your physical security and readiness through expert guidance and consultation.

About the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The NSGP offers up to $150,000 per organization for physical security enhancements, personnel, planning, and training. Applications typically open in late February and are due within 2–4 weeks.

This federal initiative is designed to help at-risk nonprofit organizations prevent, prepare for, and respond to threats, and is administered through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

How to Get Ready

Given the short application window for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), we encourage you to start preparing now by taking the following steps:

  • Request grant support using the form below.
  • Gather required documents This includes your IRS determination letter and your mission statement on official letterhead.

Learn More About Security Grant Support

  • Document recent incidents Compile a list of any hate-related incidents affecting your organization or members over the past three years—even if they occurred offsite.
  • Plan your request Consider which physical security upgrades, personnel, or training you would include in your application.
  • Review a sample application View a 2023 NSGP application to get familiar with the process (note: 2024 guidelines may vary).
Request JShield Security Services

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Your values. Your impact.

Security-focused giving protects Jewish life across Greater Washington—keeping our institutions safe, our communities resilient, and our future secure. Your support powers 24/7 threat monitoring, emergency response, hands-on training, infrastructure upgrades, and access to critical federal security funding. Together, we’re protecting what matters most.
Direct your impact