Jewish Community Partners

In the wake of the horrifying murders of two Israeli Embassy employees at a Washington D.C. Jewish event last month, security is undeniably at the forefront of every Jewish American’s mind. Our collective sense of vulnerability has amplified the urgent need for robust protective measures within Jewish communities nationwide.

In Memphis, a long-standing partnership between the Memphis Jewish Federation and the Secure Community Network (SCN) has been diligently working to address this critical concern since 2018, establishing a comprehensive security initiative that serves as a model for communities across the country. The effort is spearheaded by local law enforcement, bringing invaluable expertise and a deep understanding of local safety needs to the initiative. The partnership with SCN will be a focus of the upcoming joint Annual Meeting of Jewish Community Partners, the Jewish Foundation of Memphis, and the Memphis Jewish Federation on June 11 at 5:45 PM at the MJCC Belz Social Hall, which all members of the community are invited to attend. The event will feature remarks from Michael Masters, the National Director and CEO of the Secure Community Network (SCN), who will address the pressing topic of securing Jewish communities in an era of escalating hate. His insights will undoubtedly underscore the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration.

The ongoing commitment to safety will be a central theme at the Annual Meeting. Amanda Braswell, Regional Security Advisory, SCN emphasizes the crucial nature of this partnership. “It is absolutely critical to take security seriously, now more than ever,” Braswell stated, reflecting on the heightened awareness within the community. “Over the past several years, our Federation and SCN have worked hand-in-hand to prepare for any eventuality. While we fervently hope we will never need to fully deploy our security protocols, the power lies in our preparation. If something unthinkable were to happen, we have chosen preparedness, and we have strong response protocols firmly in place. This proactive approach is not just important; it can, quite literally, save lives.”

Braswell continued, “The collaboration between the Memphis Jewish Federation, SCN, Homeland Security and our local law enforcement partners like the Memphis Police Department is invaluable. SCN works alongside the Federation to ensure we build the shield of safety and security that the Jewish community both deserves and depends on. This joint effort exemplifies the strength and resilience of our community in the face of adversity, ensuring that Memphis remains a safe and secure home for all its Jewish residents.”

The ongoing partnership between the Memphis Jewish Federation and the Secure Community Network stands as a testament to the power of proactive security measures and collaborative efforts in safeguarding communities. In a time when the threat of hate and violence looms large, Memphis’s commitment to building a robust and resilient security infrastructure offers a vital layer of protection for its Jewish residents.

Learn more about local efforts to keep Jewish Memphis secure and safe by attending the June 11 Annual Meeting. The event will also honor outgoing Board Chairs Marty Kelman of Jewish Community Partners and Scott Notowich of the Memphis Jewish Federation for their exceptional service, and will welcome incoming Chairs, Charles Jalenak for JCP and Jimmy Ringel for MJF, as they step into their new roles. A special highlight of the evening will be the celebration of Sheri Gadberry, Executive Vice President of the Jewish Foundation of Memphis, for 25 years of service and profound commitment to the Foundation.

Register at: jcpmemphis.org/annual-meeting