In a decisive move to bolster the safety of Jewish Nashville, The Jewish Federation Board of Directors has approved the acceptance of the Jewish Federations of North America’s LiveSecure grant and entered into a strategic agreement with Secure Community Network (SCN) to hire a Community Security Director. This initiative marks a significant investment in the long-term security infrastructure of the Nashville Jewish community.
The LiveSecure program, a $130 million national initiative, was created in response to the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents across North America. It provides matching grants to local federations to build robust security programs that protect Jewish institutions, events, and individuals. Nashville’s participation in this program reflects a growing commitment to proactive security measures amid increasing threats. We are grateful to the Jewish Federations of North America and the generous donors from across North America who created the LiveSecure fund.
A New Role with Broad Responsibilities
The newly appointed Community Security Director will serve as the central figure in coordinating and implementing security strategies across Jewish Nashville. Their day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Conducting security assessments of synagogues, schools, community centers, and other Jewish institutions to identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements.
- Coordinating with law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure rapid response and intelligence sharing.
- Providing incident response support, including real-time guidance during emergencies and post-incident recovery.
- Organizing and leading trainings for staff, volunteers, and community members on topics such as active threat response, situational awareness, and emergency preparedness.
- Assisting institutions in applying for nonprofit security grants, helping them secure funding for physical upgrades like surveillance systems, reinforced entryways, and access control.
- Collaborating with other Tennessee-based security directors to share best practices and maintain statewide readiness.
A Community-Wide Impact
This program will touch every corner of Jewish life in Nashville. From preschools to senior centers, every institution will benefit from tailored security planning and ongoing support. The Community Security Director will serve as a trusted advisor, ensuring that each organization is equipped to respond to threats and maintain a safe environment for worship, education, and celebration.
Secure Community Network, the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America, will provide oversight and resources to support the director’s work. Their expertise in threat monitoring, training, and coordination will be instrumental in building a resilient security culture.
As antisemitism continues to rise, this initiative sends a powerful message: Jewish Nashville is united, vigilant, and committed to protecting its people and institutions. The Federation’s leadership has taken a bold step toward ensuring that the community remains safe, secure, and empowered.
Under the terms of the LiveSecure agreement, the program will be fully funded in year one. Years two and three, LiveSecure provides a 1:1 match and by year four, our community is expected to take full responsibility for the cost of the program. This provides us runway to secure the necessary funding for this critical security initiative. The Jewish Federation will embark on a special campaign to raise annual operating funds as we seek to build an endowment to secure the program in perpetuity.
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