Category: Community Security & Antisemitism

This morning, Israel confirmed the release of all the remaining living hostages taken on October 7, 2023, as part of the ceasefire agreement. While we wait, with sorrow and hope, for the remains of the other hostages expected to be returned, we celebrate a moment we have prayed and hoped for: many who were taken so brutally by Hamas are finally home.

For families who have waited in fear and uncertainty for 737 days, this is a profound turning point. We exhale in relief, renew our commitment to the work ahead, and lean into hope for a Jewish future free from the darkness that has unfolded since that day in October.

We express deep gratitude for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, whose tireless advocacy has inspired us all, and for the Nova Tribe, whose courage and creativity through the Nova Music Festival Exhibition this past summer helped our community remember and heal.

We welcome home those returning, and we stand with the families of the missing, still caught in agonizing limbo, and with the families waiting to receive the remains of their loved ones.

We can never fully comprehend what survivors and the families of those lost or held hostage have endured. The weight of their grief, fear, and trauma is beyond measure. Yet as a community, we share in the sacred work of carrying that burden together. May the memories of those we have lost be for a blessing.

This moment also brings immense sorrow as we mourn the loss of Roei Shalev, a survivor of the attack at the Nova Music Festival, who took his own life just days ago, two years after watching Hamas murder his girlfriend. His passing is a devastating reminder of the invisible wounds so many still carry—pain that is deep, relentless, and far from over.

In the tender days ahead, our purpose remains clear: to show up for one another, to support the families still waiting, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to Jewish life, the people of Israel, safety, and Jewish peoplehood here in Greater Washington and around the world. Today’s homecoming and the long work of recovery stand side by side.

Healing, both personal and collective, takes time, care, and each of us choosing compassion again and again. But there is nothing we can’t overcome when we show up for one another, hold each other close, and remind every person that they are not alone in their anguish or in their healing.

May this moment mark the beginning of a broader return—not only of the hostages, but of healing and renewal for us all.

With deep gratitude,

Robin Hettleman Weinberg
President, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

Gil Preuss
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

In classrooms across Greater Washington, antisemitism isn’t abstract. It shows up in hallway slurs, social media posts, and in the hard questions students bring to class. Teachers are on the front lines of these conversations—often without the necessary tools to respond.

This is more than a challenge; it’s a turning point. If we want to shape Jewish life and protect our community, we have to start where prejudice takes root: in education. This summer, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington helped bring Facing History and Ourselves (FHAO) back to DC for its first in-person Holocaust education seminar since before the pandemic.

Responding to an Urgent Need

At the University of the District of Columbia, more than 20 middle and high school educators from public, private, and Jewish day schools came together for four days of intensive learning. Using FHAO’s Holocaust and Human Behavior curriculum, they examined how propaganda spreads, how restrictions accumulate, and how silence allows hate to grow—lessons with chilling relevance for today’s classrooms.

They also practiced strategies to create trust and build classroom environments where difficult questions aren’t avoided but explored. “If teachers don’t believe they can do it, they won’t,” explained Jeremy Nesoff, FHAO’s Senior Director for District Partnerships. “Our goal is to give them the confidence, strategies, and resources to guide their students toward empathy and responsibility.”

Impact That Multiplies

Each teacher reaches dozens of students every year. Multiply that across a classroom, a school, a district—and one Federation investment this summer could change how thousands of young people learn to recognize and confront antisemitism. The impact doesn’t stop in one room; it spreads into every hallway and community those students touch.

For the teachers, the effect was immediate:

“The work that’s being done here will transform not only my community but all of our schools across the country.”

“This seminar allowed me to grapple with my own understandings and will allow me to grow as an educator and an individual.”

According to survey responses, every participant left better prepared to address antisemitism; 95% said the experience deepened their commitment to teaching; and all reported greater confidence in responding to antisemitism in their schools.

A Catalyst for Change

This summer seminar was more than just bringing FHAO back to DC—it created momentum for what comes next, laying the groundwork for district-wide training in Loudoun County and sparking conversations with DC Public Schools. FHAO is also exploring expansion into Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, and Prince William counties. “Working with knowledgeable expert partners, like Federation, who are plugged into the community is such a key for us,” said Nesoff. “Federation helped us open doors.”

Joel Frankel, Federation’s Senior Director of Community Capacity, added:

“Our funding for FHAO is one example of how we’re supporting parents and students in the fight against antisemitism in schools. Next year, we plan to bring together all our partners in this space—including FHAO, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), American Jewish Committee (AJC), and Anti-Defamation League (ADL)—to build on the relationships they’ve developed over time.”

Preparing Students for More Than Academics

Students in the DMV are returning to more than math and reading. They’re also navigating questions of belonging, justice, and identity. Thanks to your support, nearly two dozen teachers now have resources like FHAO’s Back to School Toolkit to create classrooms where every student feels safe to learn and engage.

In a moment when antisemitism feels more present than ever, we’re ensuring teachers—and the thousands of students they reach—are ready not just to teach but to help young people think critically and stand up to hate.

For Taylor M, a congregation administrator in Ashburn, the start of the school year and High Holidays once felt overwhelming. “These sessions are basically a checklist of the best ways to keep people safe during this time when they have other things on their mind,” Taylor shared.

This past Sunday in Fairfax, Taylor joined dozens of others in person and online from across Northern Virginia (and even as far as Blacksburg!) for one of JShield’s annual security trainings.

Northern Virginia is one of the fastest-growing centers of Jewish life in Greater Washington. But with congregations and schools spread across a vast geography, keeping everyone connected and secure comes with unique challenges. JShield’s presence in Northern Virginia brings tailored support, with a dedicated Community Security Advisor, meeting leaders where they are, ensuring no one face security concerns alone.

The back-to-school and High Holiday seasons are among the busiest for Jewish institutions across our community. These annual JShield trainings are just one of the ways JShield shows up as a thought partner, trusted resource, and expert guide—helping make even the most overwhelming scenarios feel manageable.

As Bob Green, Security Committee Member at Temple Beth Torah in Chantilly, explained:

“JShield has already vetted the tools and resources, and I can leverage them instead of starting from scratch. It’s a centralized repository of truth.”

Empowering Leaders Through Expertise

Taylor had no background in security or grants. But with JShield’s guidance, she successfully completed a Nonprofit Security Grant application. “I probably would not have lasted in my job as long as I have without JShield,” she said. Over time, repeated trainings became part of her preparation routine—especially before the High Holidays.

Together, We Are Prepared

For our community, safety is not a one-day effort. JShield’s year-round work gives leaders in Greater Washington the confidence to open their doors without hesitation, knowing they have the training, expertise, and community behind them. In an era of rising antisemitism, that shared strength makes all the difference.

Join JShield for the Final Back-to-School and High Holidays Training Session

Our final training of the season will be held on Thursday, September 7, in Washington, DC. This session will equip you with practical tools and peace of mind—so that you and your organization can face the future with strength and confidence.

Can’t make it to this final training, but have questions for our security experts? JShield is here 365 days a year.

As the Jewish community of Greater Washington prepares for the High Holidays and the start of a new school year, safety and security remain a top priority. That’s why JShield—The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s security initiative—is once again offering community-wide trainings designed to empower participants, strengthen institutional readiness, and foster a shared sense of responsibility.

“The main reason we do the trainings around the High Holidays is because we’re aware that there are people who may be coming to synagogues or other institutions for the only time this year,” said Rusty Rosenthal, Federation’s Director of Security. “We re-emphasize situational awareness, active threat training, and the basics of how to report incidents.”

This year, the trainings will take place on:

• Sunday, August 17
  6:00 PM
  Fairfax, VA
• Sunday, August 24
  6:00 PM
  North Bethesda, MD
• Sunday, September 7
  6:00 PM
  Washington, DC

Straying one step ahead

Each year, JShield develops its content to reflect the most current intelligence and incident reporting. The sessions are designed to highlight not only trends from the past year, but also practical steps that community members can take to feel more prepared and less vulnerable.

“The goal is to take this training so that you leave with a feeling of empowerment—so that we’re not helpless and we’re not just victims of our circumstances,” said Rosenthal. “It’s imperative that we take ownership and take responsibility for our own security.”

What sets these seasonal briefings apart is their broader reach. While JShield works year-round with executive directors, heads of school, and security personnel, the High Holidays are designed to welcome everyone—especially those who might not be affiliated with a specific institution.

“By engaging with institutions, we’re not necessarily engaging with the entire Jewish community of Greater Washington,” Rosenthal explained. “That’s why we host these sessions. We want to make sure everyone has access.”

JShield encourages institutions to share these opportunities widely. For those already coordinating private trainings for their schools or synagogues, these community-wide sessions offer an accessible alternative for anyone unable to attend a site-specific program.

Staying vigilant as antisemitism rises

Planning ahead is key. “You can’t put together a security plan three days before an event,” Rosenthal emphasized. “We always recommend involving JShield and your local law enforcement early so appropriate preparations can be made.”

While the threat environment remains elevated, JShield’s message is one of vigilance—not fear. “Absent any new information, there are no directed, targeted threats we’re aware of. Institutions should remain open and celebrate collectively,” Rosenthal said. “But we must do so with awareness.”

The trainings are open to everyone in the community. The deadline to register for each session is one week prior. The first training on August 17 will also be available virtually. To learn more and to register, visit our website.

In April 2025, SafeHeart launched a groundbreaking new initiative as part of its Survivors’ Family Support Program: a Parent–Survivor Healing Retreat. Funded in part by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Israel Crisis Relief Fund, the four-day retreat brought 40 participants—festival survivors and their parents—to a peaceful setting in northern Israel for a shared, transformative healing experience.

This was the first retreat of its kind in Israel to offer therapeutic support to both survivors and their parents at the same time. By placing the family unit—not just the individual—at the center of recovery, SafeHeart created a protected space for families to begin seeing and supporting each other in new, healing ways.

One participant shared, “The retreat helped me understand where I am in my healing journey—and what I need to move forward from here.”

Facing Trauma, Together

Trauma rarely ends with one person. It ripples outward, touching every corner of a family. Survivors returned from unimaginable experiences to homes filled with love—and often, silence. Many parents carried quiet grief, unsure how to help. Words were missing. Connections were strained. Some families lived together but felt worlds apart.

“In just three days, I felt everything—love, grief, joy, fear, hope,” said one survivor, capturing the emotional depth of the experience.

Parents, many of whom put their lives on hold to care for their 20- and 30-something children, became caregivers and emotional anchors while processing their own pain without a roadmap.

One parent shared, “For the first time, I could truly listen to my daughter. I had heard her words before, but when I heard the same things from another survivor, something opened in me. I saw her differently.”

The retreat helped bridge those emotional gaps. Through parallel therapy tracks, guided joint sessions, and body–mind healing practices, both generations found a shared language for their pain—and a space to hold it together.

As another participant put it, “Meeting the young survivors reminded me what strength really looks like. They are my hope.”

Building Resilience Before the Storm

Unintentionally, the retreat also became a source of strength for what came next. In the weeks following the retreat, rising security tensions in Israel forced many survivors to return home once again. This time, families were more prepared. The emotional groundwork they had laid made it possible to sit together, breathe together, and weather the renewed uncertainty as a team.

One young adult reflected, “I gained deeper insight into what my parents are going through and more awareness of the space between us—how we can work on our relationship and how I can meet them with more empathy.”

Another added, “Togetherness and listening were essential. A year and a half of your support, dedication, and care gave me the courage to let go, to surrender to calm and stillness.”

The Parent–Survivor Healing Retreat didn’t just offer support in the moment—it planted seeds of resilience. It turned trauma into dialogue, isolation into connection, and homes into spaces of protection and understanding.

As one participant expressed, “Led by SafeHeart, I felt truly held. After a year and a half of support, I finally found the strength to let go—and feel peace.”

With support from The Jewish Federation’s Israel Crisis Relief Fund, SafeHeart continues to pioneer meaningful pathways to healing—not just for survivors, but for the families who walk alongside them.

It’s hard to describe the emotional whiplash of the past few months. We’ve witnessed horrifying acts of antisemitic violence both here at home—including the attacks in Boulder and at the Capital Jewish Museum—and abroad. The fear and pain reverberating through our community are real and raw.

I’ve found myself thinking often of Sara Milgrim z”l  and Yaron Lischinsky  z”l , and all those still recovering from the Boulder firebombing. May their memories be a blessing.

Just days before the D.C. shooting, I returned from a week-long journey to Poland organized by our partner, the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and 3GNY. The trip brought together third-generation descendants of Holocaust survivors and others with a familial lineage to Poland and the Holocaust, to connect with Jewish life today in Poland.

My great-grandparents were born and raised in Poland. They fled in the late 1920s and early 1930s to escape pogroms, antisemitism, and poverty, eventually landing in Cuba. They left behind their parents, siblings, and entire communities, most of whom perished in the Holocaust.

Our group visited Kraków, Warsaw, and Łódź. We walked through ghettos and cemeteries, and we spent a powerful, heart-wrenching day at Auschwitz. We listened to one another’s family stories—tales of survival and resistance, loss and love. It was heavy. And yet, it was also deeply connective.

Amid the grief, we encountered something remarkable: life. Resilience. A Jewish community in Poland that, while small, is vibrant, proud, and growing.

At JCC Krakow, we saw firsthand how Federation support is making a difference. The center is a hub of Jewish life—hosting Shabbat dinners, running a preschool and day camp, and helping Ukrainian refugees, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. We visited their distribution center, which continues to offer food, clothing, toiletries, and toys to those in need.

We also met young adults from Hillel International Krakow. Many didn’t grow up Jewish; some only recently discovered their Jewish heritage. Yet they’ve chosen to build community, connect with Jewish identity, and take part in Jewish life. Today, more than 200 young people are active in Hillel Krakow. That choice—to embrace a Jewish identity in Poland, of all places—is deeply moving.

In Warsaw, the POLIN Museum blew me away. It traces a thousand years of Jewish life in Poland—from vibrant shtetls to intellectual movements, to the devastation of the Holocaust and the rebirth that followed. It’s one of the most thoughtful and comprehensive museums I’ve ever visited.

This trip was a rollercoaster of emotions—grief, pride, hope, disbelief. But I came home feeling something I never expected: optimism. Against all odds, Jewish life in Poland is not only persisting—it is reemerging.

One person said to our group, “There’s something inherently Jewish about Poland. Polish history wouldn’t be Polish history without Jewish history.” I agree. And I’d add: Jewish history wouldn’t be complete without Poland—the good, the bad, and the unimaginable.

This experience gave me more than memories. It renewed my sense of purpose. At a time when antisemitism is rising, I’m more committed than ever to standing up for our community. But I’m also determined to celebrate us—to lift up the vibrant, diverse, and global Jewish life that continues to thrive.

Together, let’s remember. Let’s rebuild. Let’s keep showing up for one another—in grief, in strength, and in joy.

A DC museum’s security costs rose significantly overnight. Families are rethinking whether it is safe for their children to attend Jewish day school or preschool. This is the reality facing Jewish institutions in our nation’s capital.

To meet this urgent challenge, we are allocating $462,750 in security funding for 50 local Jewish organizations. These grants will provide short-term support by hiring additional security personnel, upgrading security infrastructure, and helping people feel safe while living a fully and openly Jewish life.

“This is not just about numbers; it’s about peace of mind,” said Joel Frankel, our senior director of community capacity initiatives. “We understand the anxiety surrounding security costs at this moment. Our goal is to ease some of that burden and help organizations focus on what they do best—serving our community.”

Safety has long been a priority—but now, it’s an urgent concern.

Before distributing the funds, we also took this opportunity to survey local partners to better understand their most pressing concerns. The findings paint a sobering picture:

• Surging Security Costs: Some organizations have doubled or even tripled their security budgets following the deadly shooting in May.
• Community Anxiety: Families hesitate to attend services or send children to Jewish schools without visible security. One synagogue put it simply: “No one should fear to congregate as Jews in 2025.”
• Painful Trade-Offs: Many organizations now face difficult choices, cutting programs or asking members to pay security fees—sometimes up to $180 per household.
• Critical Infrastructure Gaps: From impact-resistant windows to emergency communication systems, many institutions lack essential security features.
  “Security is a community-wide effort,” said Rusty Rosenthal, executive director of community security at JShield, our security initiative. “The more we understand the specific needs of our local Jewish community, the better we can serve them and advocate for their needs.”

This funding is part of our larger commitment to keeping Jewish Greater Washington open, vibrant, and resilient in the face of rising threats.

To learn more about Federation’s security efforts, visit: https://www.shalomdc.org/jshield-security/.

Friends,

Yesterday, I left Paris and arrived in Tel Aviv on a flight with over 100 new immigrants. Most of their families had only come to France 60-70 years earlier from Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and other places in North Africa. They shared with me what a tough decision it was to relocate their lives, but they felt deep down their future was in Israel.

I had the privilege of accompanying Israel’s newest arrivals as part of a seminar organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) for executives from major U.S. Jewish Federations. We spent the week learning about the changing realities facing French Jewry and ended our program with additional discussions in Israel.

The situation in France today is complex. With over 450,000 Jews, France is home to the third largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States. Jewish life there is vibrant. There are many day schools, synagogues, and over 250 Kosher restaurants.

At the same time, antisemitism in France has been growing steadily for over two decades, and October 7th has produced a new, more aggressive strain. There are increasing reports of antisemitic acts at all levels of schooling. The head of the Jewish student union told us that university students are wary of associating with their Jewish peers for fear that they themselves will be called supporters of Israel. In lower grades, kindergarteners, preschoolers even, are being excluded from their classmates’ parties because they’re Jewish. Broadly speaking, incidents are being met with apathy from teachers, staff, and authorities.

The result of all this is widespread uncertainty and unease. The American Jewish Committee’s Paris office found that one in five French Jews have removed their mezuzah from outside their home. One in six have changed their name on delivery apps to obscure their religious identity. Jewish communities are questioning whether they have a future in France, and more and more families are indeed choosing to make Aliyah.

That said, French Jews remain passionate about building their community. Nearly three-quarters of French Jews say the October 7th massacre strengthened both their Zionist convictions (73%) and their Jewish identity (71%). Jewish engagement is up and interest in Jewish day schools has skyrocketed, particularly as families leave public education.

What comes next for French Jewry is hard to predict. Those we spoke with are awaiting the 2027 presidential election for clues about the direction France will take. For my part, I continue to picture the upcoming opening of a new, large synagogue in Sarcelles to serve a community 12,000 strong even as they face threats from those around them. While our history has many instances where we are forced to leave, we have many others cases of building Jewish life and thriving even as others would do us harm. I am confident that one way or another, the French Jews will thrive.

Shabbat Shalom,

—Gil

Photos: Avi Bass, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)

Every week, I’m in conversation with local Jewish institutions—synagogues, schools, community centers—about what’s happening on the ground when it comes to security.

What I’m hearing is consistent: people are doing more, thinking differently, and responding to a landscape that continues to shift.

And it’s not easy.

Security is an ongoing process. It’s not a one-time fix, and definitely not a box you check and forget.

Many organizations have already changed their posture: adding personnel, revising protocols, tightening procedures. But most of these changes weren’t in the budget. Figuring out when and how to deploy security staff isn’t a simple call. It’s a conversation involving lay leaders, professional teams, congregants, and sometimes even elected officials.

There’s also the ongoing need to upgrade infrastructure, replacing aging cameras, updating access systems, and ensuring equipment is reliable and up to date. These aren’t theoretical concerns; they’re part of responsible, forward-looking planning. Federal funding, like the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), can help. But the process takes time and bandwidth. That’s why JShield offers direct support throughout the grant process: from crafting strong applications to navigating post-award paperwork, so institutions can secure and use the resources they need.

Bandwidth is a real issue. I’ve worked with synagogues that simply didn’t have the staff time or technical knowledge to complete the post-award steps. Not because the need wasn’t there, but because the process is burdensome. That means important funding can go unused.

And still, security is so much more than equipment or guards. Preparedness is also about people—training staff, involving community members, and making sure emergency plans are reviewed, updated, and practiced. There’s still a real need to expand who’s engaged in this work. The more people who know what to do and how to respond, the stronger and more resilient we become as a community.

That’s what JShield is here for. We help institutions across Greater Washington build practical, sustainable security through training, planning, assessments, and hands-on support. And when funding or capacity isn’t there, we work to help close the gap.

Over the past few months, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has been reviewing dozens of security grant applications from local institutions—each one a reflection of real needs and responsible planning. That process has made it even clearer how much care, creativity, and commitment our community is bringing to this work. It’s also underscored how important it is that we continue to invest in security—not just as a reaction to threats, but as a shared responsibility for the future.

Ultimately, this isn’t just about what we’re protecting. It’s about ensuring that every Jewish institution has what it needs to remain open, connected, and strong.

If your organization needs support—at any stage—we’re here.

Learn more at shalomdc.org/security

On July 1, during Federation Day at the Nova Music Festival Exhibition in Gallery Place, Jackson Siegal of In-Rel Properties showed up with purpose.

He didn’t come alone. He brought his team: five maintenance men, straight from the job site, pockets full of screwdrivers and flashlights.

At the security checkpoint, they handed over their tools. A small, routine act. But upstairs, those everyday objects stood in quiet, haunting contrast to what lay on the tables.

Phones. Backpacks. Jewelry. Sandals. Not items people forgot, but belongings of those who were hunted, kidnapped, and murdered on October 7. Artifacts recovered from the site of the massacre.

Jackson’s team moved through the exhibit slowly, together. At the table of artifacts, a volunteer who had helped clean and catalog each item spoke with quiet steadiness, explaining what had happened on October 7. She had washed away the blood so the victims’ families wouldn’t have to see it. But she left the dust on the shoes. Just as they were found.

Dust from the earth where people danced, where thousands fled, where hundreds were murdered.

At one point, Jackson and the volunteer slipped into Hebrew. One of the younger workers leaned in to translate into Spanish for an older teammate. No one asked him to. He just did.

That kind of instinct—across languages, generations, and lived experience—is exactly what Federation Day was made to hold. A moment to show up. To witness. To carry memory together.

Jackson, who recently joined Federation’s Real Estate Network, didn’t say much. But the way he moved through the exhibit—asking questions, staying present—set the tone for his team.

Moments like this have defined the exhibit since it opened here in Greater Washington. Earlier in the run, a survivor spotted something he never expected: his hat.

Not just any hat. The one his friends always borrowed for pictures. The one that made people smile. The one everyone said made him look like Bruno Mars.

He left it there. Because it wasn’t just his anymore. It was part of the story now.

Something shifted for Jackson’s team, too. They didn’t just visit. They paid attention. They stayed with it.

They arrived with the tools of their trade. They left with something harder to name—but just as real. A story to carry. A truth to hold.

This is what it means to show up for one another. This is how memory becomes action.

Bringing the exhibit to Washington made space for moments like this—quiet, human, unforgettable. The kind that help us hold the truth and carry it forward, together.