Community Security
The Milwaukee Jewish Federation has a multi-pronged approach to addressing the security needs in Jewish Wisconsin. Here are a few of our most impactful programs.
Incident Reporting Form (IRF)
In partnership with The Secure Community Network (SCN), MJF has created an Incident Reporting Form (IRF) to standardize an online form for the public to use to report threats, incidents, or suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members. The IRF was developed following an extensive review of suspicious activity reporting forms, and coordination with security professionals and our partners in law enforcement and homeland security.
Synagogue Security Guard Grant Program
MJF enables all synagogues, including those with limited access to financial resources, to hire highly trained, professional security guards for the High Holidays and Shabbat. Since the program was established in 2019, $377,000 in grants has been awarded.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program
Each year MJF assists Jewish organizations across the state in applying for federal security grants. Last year alone we helped 26 institutions secure $3.4 million in funding, about half of the dollars distributed in Wisconsin. This influx of funding complements these organizations’ reliance on philanthropic dollars.
Security Training
MJF’s Director of Security provides training to Jewish community professionals on awareness and preparedness, management of an active shooter, response to mass casualties, cybersecurity, and more. From January through August 2022, we trained 1,567 individuals.
Assessment & Consultation
Preventing a security incident is at the forefront of our security program. We provide on-site assessments and consultation for all Jewish organizations. Often this includes a walk-through with law enforcement and experts in target hardening.
2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents
The 2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents — representing the 7th consecutive year of elevated activity — was released in March 2020.
Noticeable Trends:
- Hate group activity (83% increase)
- Conspiracy theories (40% increase)
- K-12 activity (22% increase)
- College activity (225% increase)
- Vandalism (111% increase)
- Harassment, threats, and assaults (39% decrease)
- Social media activity (26% decrease)
- Expression (5% decrease)
Questions? Contact Ari Friedman at 414-390-5740.
