Shepard Englander, Chief Executive Officer
America’s 250th anniversary evokes deep gratitude for American Jews. Jews have never enjoyed greater freedoms than in America, where we have been able to practice our faith proudly and openly, build strong communities, and be leaders in every public sector. The 80-year period since World War II has been called a Golden Age of American Jewry.
However, Jewish Federations are monitoring signs that indicate the ability to enjoy proud, open Jewish lives safely in America is increasingly threatened.
Alarming News: Threats to Our Safety are Worse Than Ever and Won’t Improve Quickly
The past few years was the worst on record in American history for hate-fueled attacks on Jewish people. FBI statistics show that anti-Jewish hate crimes have hit record highs two years in a row. We are two percent of America’s population, and nearly 70 percent of all religion-based hate crimes are committed against us.
Even worse, the threat level is unlikely to improve soon because it is driven by well-funded anti-Israel demonization, unmoderated extremist rage on social media, and the broader instability of American political life.
Encouraging News: Jewish Federations Are Rising to Meet This Steep Challenge
Jewish Federations are mobilizing effectively to address this grave challenge. Ours is one of many Jewish Federations that has continued to creatively upgrade our best-in-class security and fortify our advocacy with public officials and civic leaders.
The life-saving power of top-level security was reaffirmed by the recent attack on Temple Israel, outside Detroit. That would have been the deadliest attack on children in American history were it not for well-trained, prepared, and courageous Jewish community security professionals who ran into black smoke and stopped a heavily armed terrorist.
The rising impact of Jewish advocacy was demonstrated by the national Jewish Federation fly-in to Washington, D.C. last month. It was the largest in Federation history, drawing more than 400 leaders from 41 states, who held 234 advocacy meetings in congressional offices.
The Jewish Federations helped co-author new legislation with bipartisan congressional leadership, called the Jewish American Security Act. It would expand federal security grants and strengthen law enforcement partnerships.
During our congressional visits, we made the case that the Federal government must recognize that public safety is a government responsibility. Our Federation, like most others, has more than doubled its investment in security in the past two years. Across America, only Jews have had to build a private security network just to pray, gather, and exist. In every Congressional office, we reiterated that the Federal government must meet its responsibility to keep all its citizens, including Jews, safe.
Meet the Challenge
- We are excited to provide our SafeSRQ expert trainings in a fresh format, called “Safe & Connected Days.” We will combine our highly acclaimed Just Schmoozing approach with a choice of tips and trainings that you can customize for your interests. We are confirming a date in late August for our first Safe & Connected experience. Please use this Interest Form, so we can keep you updated and give you priority registration.
- Join our delegation to the Federation’s national summit – the General Assembly – on November 8 – 10, 2026 in Washington, DC. Be part of conversations with top thought leaders and elected officials. Help shape the future for our community. Please let me know if you have any questions. Register here. The 2026 General Assembly: Where the Future Takes Shape