Jun 8, 2016

Federation: A Security Update

From January 9 to 20, there have been more than 50 bomb threats to Jewish community centers (JCCs) around the world, including South Florida and London. Greater Miami Jewish Federation President and CEO Jacob Solomon responded to the incidents: “Regrettably, recent events and trends remind us that we can’t be complacent about our physical security as a Jewish community. We are grateful The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has recognized and responded to this need by making resources available to expand security measures within our Jewish communities as a whole.”

Brenda Moxley, Federation’s Director of Community Security, works closely with local and national law enforcement officers and the Secure Communities Network (SCN), a JFNA-funded entity that unites 157 Federations across the country in security best practices, to ensure a safe and secure Jewish community.

“It is important to understand that we must remain vigilant 24/7 when it involves keeping our community safe,” indicated Carol Brick-Turin, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, under whose purview the Office of Community Security falls.

While Moxley acknowledges the Jewish community does an excellent job of sharing information, she’s helping them take the next step. She explained, “Federation has implemented a formal communication platform that will allow Jewish institutions to stay connected, an important tactic in remaining alert and prepared for any security threats that may occur.”

When Moxley was hired, she was one of 12 Directors of Community Service working at Federations across the country. The group has now grown to 25. “While it’s a sad truth, it is gratifying to know that the infrastructure of the Federation community allows us to make safety a priority,” said Solomon. “Brenda has already made a tremendous impact, both here at home and around the country.”

Barry Gurland chairs Federation's Community Security Committee.