Secure Community Network (SCN) and JFed Security
Both organizations receive notifications of incident reports.
SCN is Federations' national security apparatus. The SCN Duty Desk will be available to assist and support the locally or regionally based security professional, and the Federation, including determining what people or facilities may be at risk while protecting the civil liberties of all parties. Credible threats are referred to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and Jewish facility leaders as needed.
JFed Security is our regional apparatus, available for assistance with trainings and threat assessments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 23 September 2024
Jewish Community Is The Most-Targeted Religious Group In FBI’s 2023 Hate Crime Report, Facing 21% Surge Amidst Unprecedented Post-07 October Threat Environment
SCN Applauds Interagency Hate Crime Reporting and Swift Justice for Perpetrators
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 2023 Hate Crime Report, released today, reveals that the Jewish community remains the most-targeted religious group, with 1,832 anti-Jewish reported hate crimes accounting for 67% of all religiously motivated hate crimes recorded by the FBI, up from 56% (1,124) the prior year in the wake of the 07 October Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. These incidents include property damage, vandalism, harassment, assault, burglary, false bomb threats, and swatting incidents. The FBI’s report carries added significance following the 07 October attacks, which fueled increased violence and harassment against Jewish communities across North America. While extremist groups, sympathizers, and politically motivated individuals have driven the rise in hate crimes, law enforcement agencies have successfully disrupted multiple plots and swiftly brought offenders to justice. Additionally, the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) saw a marked improvement in data collection, with participating agencies increasing from 77.5% to 83.5% compared to the previous year. Accurate data is essential for informing law enforcement and partners about evolving threats, enabling better community protection by directing appropriate resources, and adjusting security strategies to meet the threat environment. “The historic increase in hate crimes against the Jewish community, as demonstrated by both FBI and SCN data, underscores an unprecedented threat environment, particularly after the 07 October Hamas attacks,” said SCN National Director & CEO Michael Masters. “We commend those state and local law enforcement agencies participating in the FBI’s UCR for improving their hate crimes collection efforts in the last year — critical progress that helps provide a more clear and complete picture for law enforcement and Jewish communal security partners to operate within to protect our communities and ensure dignity and justice for victims. Whether in synagogues, community centers, or university campuses, SCN is continuing to work in partnership and close collaboration with the FBI to ensure that Jewish life in North America thrives and remains secure, no matter the challenges we face.” While hate crimes against the Jewish community surged, the FBI data does not fully reflect the scope of the threat. SCN has played a critical role in tracking, responding to, and mitigating threats to the Jewish community through partnerships with law enforcement and communal organizations. In 2023, SCN referred 1,619 individuals to law enforcement, a 110% increase from the previous year. SCN also logged over 5,404 incidents and suspicious activity reports, with over 2,628 occurring in the months following 07 October—surpassing the total for all of 2022. SCN data also reflects a threat environment that has gotten increasingly complex and dynamic in 2024 following the window of the 2023 FBI Hate Crimes Statistics Report. SCN’s security shield, developed in response to previous critical incidents such as Pittsburgh, Poway, and Colleyville, was well-prepared to mobilize to protect the community. SCN’s comprehensive security infrastructure includes the 24/7 National Jewish Security Operations Command Center (JSOCC), which maintains a direct line to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center (NTOC), enabling rapid communication with federal partners. Additionally, SCN’s localized security professionals across North America work closely with law enforcement, provide essential training, and coordinate responses to protect Jewish institutions. In the immediate aftermath of 07 October, SCN worked closely with top U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and key figures from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice. SCN urges every community to remain vigilant, review and enforce existing security protocols, and maintain coordination and communication with law enforcement and security personnel. For imminent threats or emergencies, dial 9-1-1, and report all suspicious activity to local law enforcement as well as appropriate local reporting authorities, and SCN’s 24/7 Duty Desk at dutydesk@securecommunitynetwork.org or by calling 844-SCN-DESK. |
JFed Security Introduces New Equipment
Part of SCN's annual series prior to the High Holidays
| SCN Logs Record Participation in First Week of High Holidays Safety & Security Webinar Series Over 1,500 Attendees Join First Six Training Sessions |
| CHICAGO, IL — The Secure Community Network (SCN) today announced record early participation in its annual High Holidays Safety & Security Webinar Series, with over 1,500 attendees joining the first week of training sessions, held between 06 August and 08 August. SCN began its 2024 webinar series earlier than ever to ensure the North American Jewish community is prepared amidst an unprecedented threat landscape. The webinar series, co-sponsored by The Jewish Federations of North America, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), and the American Jewish Committee (AJC), aims to help the Jewish community enjoy a welcoming, meaningful, and secure High Holiday season through weekly trainings and informational webinar sessions led by safety and security experts in August and September. For training webinars, SCN offers two sessions per day to accommodate individuals with availability during the daytime and evening slots. Last week’s training sessions covered critical topics including: The Power of Hello: Practical skills for identifying behavioral indicators and taking action to prevent safety and security incidents. Stop the Bleed: Life-saving bleeding control techniques in the event of an incident or mass attack. Situational Awareness & Countering Active Threat Training: Preparing for, mitigating, and responding to potential threat incidents. “We're gratified by the strong engagement from Jewish community leaders, security professionals, and everyday members of the community, particularly amidst the ongoing threats and issues facing the community since 07 October,” said SCN National Director & CEO Michael Masters. “These trainings and webinars provide essential skills and tools that empower participants and enhance safety and security during the High Holidays and beyond. We hope those who have yet to register consider joining the thousands who have already participated in this critical series.” Upcoming webinars will address:Securing the Synagogue (August 15) Firearms and the Faithful (August 22) Welcoming and Safety: The Roles of Greeters, Ushers, and Volunteers (August 29) Accessibility and Emergency Preparedness (September 05) Personal Safety for Lay & Professional Leadership During the High Holidays (September 12) All webinars are held from 2:00pm-3:30pm ET, with training sessions featuring encore presentations at 8:30pm ET. Community members can register for upcoming sessions by clicking on the sessions above or visiting our website to register. |
Hosted at Chabad of Toms River - Wednesday, June 5
JFed Security came out for a Stop the Bleed training open to the entire community. Led by JFed’s Rich Gambale, it was a hands-on lesson in applying pressure, packing a wound, and applying a tourniquet. Federation was proud to be able to offer the training for all, but especially to train our partners so they could take advantage of the state’s offer to provide free stop the bleed kits for houses of worship.
In addition to the training session JFed Security and JFOC staff discussed many of the other trainings and services that are available.
