By Jenn Ross
As a smaller Jewish community, security awareness, efficiency, and planning are paramount to keeping our community safe. Fortunately, we have numerous resources through the federal government, such as the South Central Task Force Department, which brings the expertise of Department of Homeland Security, and through nonprofit agencies with a focus on Jewish security.
Secure Community Network (SCN) is the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America, founded under the auspices of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. It is a major resource for my own work and individuals in our community involved in agency or synagogue security efforts are able to access daily emails, alerts, webinars, and security resources. I regularly curate key pieces to share with our local security leaders to help ensure our community is moving forward together.
I was pleased to learn that ADL and SCN signed a formal partnership agreement on February 25 that will enhance their coordination and collaboration. We partner regularly with our regional ADL chapter on programming and contact them for guidance, and this national partnership will likely strengthen security and anti-hate efforts.
Locally, Federation has begun convening a Jewish community-wide security task force to more formally discuss issues and how to continue improving safety at all of our institutions. As more in-person activities commence across the community, we will need to continue to address security matters as well as ongoing health and safety concerns pertaining to the pandemic. I am eager to work with everyone involved.
I hope you have safe and healthy holidays and are well throughout the year. Happy Passover, Easter, and Holi, and early Ramadan Greetings.