Community Security Program
Keeping Us Safe
The need for security at Jewish organizations is increasingly urgent due to a significant rise in antisemitic incidents and threats. From physical attacks to hate speech, vandalism, and online harassment, fear and uncertainty in the Jewish community underscore the need for effective security measures to protect both people and property. In the Anti-Defamation League’s most recent audit of antisemitic incidents, they recorded a 36% increase in 2022 over the previous year and antisemitic propaganda more than doubled.
Making sure we’re connected, resilient, and ready
We help organizations enhance their security now so they can practice Jewish traditions and values without compromising their safety through:
- Training Jewish community leaders, staff, and members in basic security skills, threat and situational awareness, emergency preparedness, and critical first-aid skills like Stop the Bleed.
- Conducting site assessments and providing advice and resources to remedy vulnerabilities.
- Guiding organizations through the process of applying for state and federal security grants.
- Alerting community leaders to changes in the threat landscape through our mass notification system and maintaining close ties with law enforcement and federal agencies.
- Advocating for public policies that combat antisemitism and fund safety enhancements.
Help expand our reach
Requests for support nearly doubled in FY 2021-2022. During that same timeframe, the Program
- Conducted 47 site assessments and security consultations
- Trained 1,125 people on security awareness and surviving active threats
- Helped 25 Bay Area Jewish organizations access $3.7M in federal and state security grant awards
- Responded to 171 direct requests for assistance from partner organizations, supporting them with trainings, site assessments, and consultations.
From 2023 through 2025, Federation donors can help us accelerate our progress. By contributing new or renewed donations or giving above and beyond their annual campaign commitment, the Federation will be eligible for matching funds from the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). That amplifies the impact of donations: For every eligible $2 contributed by an individual, the Federation will receive an additional $1 from JFNA.
As a result of this matching grant program, the Federation will be able to extend support to Jewish organizations beyond the immediate Bay Area to meet increased demand, covering over 200 organizations from Mendocino to Monterey and from San Francisco to Chico.
Report a threat, incident, or suspicious activity
The Program reviews threats, suspicious activity, and antisemitic incidents reported by Jewish organizations and synagogues, analyzes the circumstances, and liaises with law enforcement to determine who is behind them and whether they represent harassment or a threat of violence. These efforts have allowed organizations to increase security when warranted, refrain from overreacting to non-credible threats, and manage anxiety among staff and community members.
To report an incident to our Community Security Program and the Secure Community Network (SCN), please complete this form.
The go-to resource for enhancing security preparedness
Funding from the Annual Campaign enables us to connect community members with resources and expertise to improve security and preparedness, advise on potential threats and suggested remedies, and build strong, mutually supportive relationships within the local Jewish and interfaith communities.
