Firearms Report: No One-Size-Fits-All Answer for Jewish Organizations

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey has shared with Monmouth and Greater Middlesex County Jewish organizations' security contacts, a report entitled FIREARMS AND THE FAITHFUL - Approaches to Armed Security in Jewish Communities, dated January 2020. The report was recently published by Secure Community Network (SCN), the national homeland security initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

In framing the report's contents, Michael Masters, National Director and CEO, Secure Community Network, says,  “Across America, Jewish communities are on heightened alert and are wondering what role armed security should play in their security plans. Whatever the course of action, introducing firearms into a facility is a decision to be made carefully and must be part of a broader security strategy. There are countless considerations, and if organizations overlook them, they may put their congregants a risk.”

The considerations that SCN lays out in the report provide fodder for organizations' conversations on this important topic. Insights are based on the input of top experts in law enforcement and security fields, including Jewish Federation Security Directors from across the country.

Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ's Security Task Force review of this report did not result in unanimous agreement with or support for all of its statements and recommendations. The Security Task Force does agree there is no one-size-fits-all security solution for all our temples, synagogues, congregations, schools, cultural centers, and other Jewish organizations. Jewish Federation's Security Task Force includes volunteers with law enforcement and security backgrounds, as well as other community and organization representatives.   

"Start the conversation," says Amy Keller, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey Director of Security Initiatives. " Weigh the factors, be consistent and clear, and formalize best practices for your specific organization." 

To connect your organization with Jewish Federation's Security Task Force, contact us by phone (732-588-1800) or email. To learn more about Jewish Federation security initiatives and resources, click here.   

 

0Comments

Add Comment
Subscribe to posts