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.
Milwaukee Jewish Federation will be hosting an interactive security training in advance of the 2024 High Holidays. This training is designed for Jewish agency staff, synagogue members and attendees, and any member of the community interested in learning more about securing Jewish spaces.
Training led by Ari Friedman, MJF’s Vice President of Security and Facility Operations.
Join us for this FREE session.
Event Details
Thursday, September 19
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid
6880 N. Green Bay Ave., Glendale
RSVP is required; no walk-ups will be admitted
Each attendee must register; no ‘+1’s
Photo ID required at check-in
There are three ways to report an incident to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Click below for more information on how you can call, email, or submit an online form to report threats, incidents, or suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wisconsin’s number of reported antisemitic incidents rose again for the 8th consecutive year, marking a cumulative increase of 570% since 2015, according to a report released in June 2024 by our Jewish Community Relations Council. There was a 13% uptick in reported antisemitic incidents between 2022 and 2023, including a 257% increase in harassment and assaults.
Noticeable trends:
Harassment/Threats/Assaults | +257% increase |
Holocaust/Nazi References | +51% increase |
Jewish Institutions targeted | +433% increase |
Youth Involvement | +100% increase |
Conspiracy Theories | -40% decrease |
Expression | -24% decrease |
Questions? Contact Ari Friedman at 414-390-5740.