It is an unfortunate reality, that greater and greater attention must be paid and resources are utilized in making the Jewish community more safe and secure. Of course, targeted attacks on religious institutions, schools and civic organizations are not limited to the Jewish community, but hate crime statistics demonstrate that Jewish communal institutions and individuals are at greater risk. And, work done by the Jewish community to address communal safety has resulted in more expertise and resources being shared with other faith and non-profit institutions.
“The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor takes seriously its obligation to do everything possible to help protect the people and institutions that comprise the local community while maintaining welcoming, inclusive and vibrant Jewish programs and spaces,” says Jewish Federation CEO Eileen Freed. “Unfortunately, this has become more and more costly – local Jewish communal institutions are spending a combined $600,000/year in security guard funding alone.”
“Security has become an increasingly important and ongoing need,” says Shannon Hall, Executive Director of Temple Beth Emeth. “Each year, the number of hours we employ professional security personnel continues to grow in response to heightened awareness and evolving concerns.”
Freed explains that the Jewish Federation has set an ambitious Annual Community Campaign goal of $2 million for 2026, which includes $275,000 to support the community’s LiveSecure program and offset up to 30% of the cost of security guard services for local Jewish communal organizations.
In June 2023, the Jewish Federation commenced participation in LiveSecure, an initiative of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and Secure Communities Network (SCN) to improve and expand the safety and security of Jewish communities across North America. The initiative, chaired by former JFNA Board Chair Julie Platt and funded by major philanthropists, provided the local Jewish Federation with a one-to-one matching grant of $91,000 per year for three years to develop a local security program.
To accomplish its aims, the Jewish Federation entered a partnership with Jewish Community Security, Inc. (JCSI) of Metro Detroit to hire the local community’s first Jewish Community Security Director, Shane Dennis. Over the past 2 ½ years, Shane has established a system of coordination and communication among local Jewish organizations for security issues, special events, and training needs; assisted agencies with developing individualized emergency procedures; and served as a liaison to local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.
Just four months into his role, the events following October 7 demonstrated just how important the Community Security leadership position is. Shane addressed security incidents and coordinated security coverage for events, marches, rallies and facilities on campus and the local Jewish community. During this time, his already strong relationships with local law enforcement were strengthened as he worked with them to protect the people participating in these important events.
He also provided training local staff and volunteers at synagogues, Hebrew Day School and the Jewish Community Center. Training has included both situational awareness, incident response, and “The Power of Hello” to foster a welcoming environment while assessing potential threats.
Under Shane’s leadership the Jewish Federation has invested over $131,000 in training, building security projects, and security guard support for local Jewish organizations. These funds supported necessary projects that could not wait for the long Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) process, such as external access door upgrades and new alarm system at the JCC and new, more secure doors at Chabad House.
“The Federation doesn’t just help keep our doors secure,” says Hebrew Day School Head of School Will Killer. “They give our educators the confidence to focus fully on students, knowing the community has their backs. In supporting our security, the Federation safeguards not only our buildings, but the learning, joy, and Jewish future that unfold inside them every single day.”
LiveSecure and Shane’s expertise, advice and input have brought outside funds for security into the community. Shane assisted local organizations in successfully submitting Federal non-profit security grants totaling just under $560,000. An additional $400,000 in submissions await final determinations.
Because of Jewish Federation’s participation in LiveSecure, they were able to secure $174,000 over the past two years from the Tepper Foundation to offset the cost of security guards for programs for children 0-5 years of ages. These funds were used to provide security services for Camp Raanana and Camp Gan Israel, the JCC’s Early Childhood Center and Hebrew Day School, and High Holiday and Shabbat services at local congregations.
“Having a consistent security presence throughout the year—at our Shabbat morning services, Sunday Hebrew school, holiday programs, and Camp Gan Israel—has brought a real sense of calm and reassurance to our congregants and families,” says Rabbi Alter Goldstein of Ann Arbor Chabad. “Support from the LiveSecure and Tepper Grant funds has allowed our community to focus on prayer, learning, and connection, knowing that thoughtful and professional measures are in place.”
Additional LiveSecure program accomplishments include the establishment of an online incident reporting form, development of a crisis communications plan, security assessments for all local facilities, and providing a Holocaust education program developed specifically for law enforcement to local law enforcement personnel and county prosecutors.
“The financial support from LiveSecure and Tepper Grant provided much needed funding to continue to improve our overall security footprint,” says David Stone, Executive Director of the JCC. “We are grateful for these funds and acknowledge how important this support is for all who participate in activities at the JCC.”
“It is clear we cannot turn back the clock on community security,” says Freed. “We must come together as a community to sustain this program while ensuring that our community partners have the resources they need to focus on joyful, meaningful and transformative Jewish engagement.” She encourages community members to support community security efforts by making a gift or pledge to the 2026 Annual Community Campaign at Jewishannarbor.org.
For more information about LiveSecure and how to help, contact Shane Dennis (shane@jewishannarbor.org) or Eileen Freed (eileenfreed@jewishannarbor.org). To report an incident or support LiveSecure, visit www.jewishannarbor.org/our-community/community-security/