Tag: community security

Through JShield, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s community security initiative, we work closely with law enforcement and Jewish institutions across our region to strengthen security, share real-time information, and coordinate response efforts across institutions that might otherwise operate independently. This work helps ensure that Jewish organizations across Greater Washington are not operating in isolation, but are prepared, connected, and supported in maintaining a safe and secure community.

Why coordination matters now

At a time when antisemitism continues to rise around the world, and in the wake of recent incidents targeting Jewish communities in Michigan, Amsterdam, and beyond, this kind of coordination is more important than ever. The JShield Security Summit is one way we put that coordination into action, bringing together community leaders, security experts, and law enforcement to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and align on how we respond to emerging threats.

Over the course of the day, more than 100 participants gained insights from JShield and partner experts, including regional law enforcement and federal officials who shared resources to help Jewish organizations strengthen their security. Sessions focused on practical guidance, from navigating the application process for federal nonprofit security grants to developing clear plans of action in response to potential threats.

Throughout the Summit, the depth of our partnerships was clear. Law enforcement leaders and security professionals from across the region showed up not just as participants, but as committed partners in this work. Many are not members of the Jewish community, yet they are deeply invested in helping protect it—a reflection of the trust and relationships built through JShield, and of the allies those relationships have created beyond the community itself.

Strengthening a shared security system

The Summit reflects Federation’s unique role in building a culture of security in Greater Washington. Through JShield, Federation connects Jewish institutions with the expertise, information, and resources they need to strengthen not only their security, but the security of the entire Jewish community. By bringing together partners who might not otherwise share the same space—from synagogue leaders to federal agencies—Federation is working to ensure Jewish institutions, as well as the people they serve, are safer, more prepared, and better equipped to respond when it matters most.

Learn more about JShield and how Federation is working to strengthen community security.

One way that I have been thinking about antisemitism is as a kind of twisted and inexcusable stress response. In times of social or economic strain, people tend to go looking for explanations as to why things don’t work the way they want or why life feels harder. And far too often, they reach for the oldest hatred in the book as their answer. Comforted by conspiratorial thinking, they conclude it must be the Jews who are to blame.

This cycle can then be hastened by popular figures who step in and exploit people’s anxieties for their own goals. As Deborah Lipstadt explains, “[Bad actors] cannot create a fire where none exists, but they can add fuel to preexisting fires.” The more disconcerted people feel, the more they may turn to hating Jews, and the more wayward leaders will encourage those inclinations. Antisemitism and chaos are intertwined. Sadly, and to great harm, this has been the pattern for millennia.

What this means for us is that there is space to tackle the challenge from two sides: by pushing back against antisemitism explicitly and tending to the health of our democracy generally, both of which we are focused on at Federation.

Five years ago, we adopted a multi-pronged strategy to address antisemitism in our region. This includes providing funds to address antisemitism in public and private schools, developing teen leaders who can directly confront antisemitism, supporting local Hillels in their campus efforts, as well as providing critical resources to local agencies including the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC).

We are also working to strengthen the relationships that underpin a healthy democracy and break down conflict by facilitating conversation among community members of diverse perspectives; deepening Black–Jewish relations; and partnering with local agencies and institutions on civic engagement efforts; all of which contribute to a more connected, stable, and resilient community.

Ultimately, fighting against antisemitism is a form of fighting for our democracy just as fighting for democracy and strengthening civil institutions is a form of fighting antisemitism. As antisemitism metastasizes, everyone loses. When we replace mistrust with credibility and community, everyone wins. It’s our civic duty to call out antisemitism and disrupt its chaotic breeding ground.

At a time when so many people are losing faith in institutions, Federation can be a steady fixture. A shared space where our community can come practice listening to those who think differently, caring for the vulnerable, welcoming the stranger, and working together toward a shared vision for the future. If antisemitism is what seeps in when our social foundation starts to crack, we can help ensure its integrity.

Prepared by Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Office
Shared by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Office has issued a detailed update on the rapidly evolving conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran, including developments in Israel, the broader region, and guidance for Jewish institutions.

As the war with Iran continues to escalate across the region and families across Israel once again take shelter in safe rooms and bomb shelters, we stand firmly with the people of Israel. We mourn the victims of the recent Iranian ballistic missile strike in Beit Shemesh, in which at least nine civilians were killed and dozens were injured. We remain in close communication with partners there as more details emerge.

Immediate Action

Federation is allocating $250,000 to address the urgent needs in Israel. Funds will be directed to existing partners on the ground, including JDC and The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and based on evolving local needs in coordination with community partners.

Over the coming days and weeks, we will continue to evaluate developments carefully to mobilize our community to respond where support is needed most.

Security at Home

JShield, Federation’s community security initiative, remains in regular contact with law enforcement and community partners. While there are no known or anticipated security threats in Greater Washington at this time, we continue to reinforce vigilance and encourage all organizations to continue maintaining the security protocols already in place.

Community members who witness suspicious activity can report an incident here. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Organizational security-related questions may be directed to security@shalomdc.org.

Next Steps

Watch a live, firsthand update from Israel. Federation’s Israel Office Director, Karen Katzman, joined Gil Preuss on Wednesday, March 4 on Zoom. Speaking directly from Israel, Karen shared what she is seeing on the ground and what we are hearing from partners across the region.

Read the latest Israel update. Special briefings from the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) are available on our news page.

Stay informed and engaged. We will continue to post verified briefings and share meaningful ways for our community to respond as the situation evolves.

Many have already asked how to help. Our current response is being mobilized through existing Federation resources and long-term investments stewarded by the Foundation, enabling swift and accountable action. Those who wish to contribute may do so here.

Learn more about or support our ongoing work in Israel.

Photo credit: L: Erik Marmor/Getty Image; R: Rami Slush/Reuters