In today’s climate of rising antisemitism and targeted hate crimes, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville bears both a moral and strategic responsibility to protect our community. Jewish spaces—from synagogues and schools to cultural centers and public events—must be safeguarded physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
For several years, our community’s security needs were addressed by a dedicated team of volunteers, headed by Federation past president Steve Hirsch. These community members spent countless hours working with local law enforcement, private security, and professional staff to build relationships that help ensure everyone can participate and enjoy all aspects of Jewish life in Nashville.
At the end of September, top leadership from the Secure Community Network (SCN) visited Nashville. For CEO Michael Masters, it was a return visit, having previously engaged with our community early in his tenure. During their time here, they met with representatives from synagogues, agencies, the security committee, law enforcement at all levels, and key community leaders including the Jewish Federation’s Board of Directors. Their mission: to emphasize the critical importance of securing Jewish life in Nashville and advocate for hiring a Community Security Director.
One of the most impactful steps we can take is hiring a Community Security Director through SCN, the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America.
Antisemitic hate crimes have reached historic levels nationwide:
- In 2024, the FBI reported 11,679 hate crime incidents, with 23.5% motivated by religious bias—most targeting Jews.
- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded 9,354 antisemitic incidents—a 344% increase over five years.
- Since October 7, 2023, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. surged by 361%, with 33% of American Jews reporting personal experiences in 2024.
In Tennessee:
- 81 antisemitic incidents were documented in 2024, including vandalism, harassment, and one assault.
Nashville has also faced targeted incidents, including white supremacist propaganda and threats against Jewish businesses and leaders. We are fortunate that our local and state partners take this situation seriously and have enacted laws to strengthen the ability for law enforcement to respond to these threats.
Jewish Federations nationwide have embraced their role as central coordinators of community safety. From Los Angeles to Pittsburgh, Federations have:
- Secured millions in federal and state grants for security upgrades.
- Installed emergency response systems and conducted thousands of security trainings.
- Partnered with SCN for expert assessments, threat monitoring, and crisis response.
- Developed and strengthened relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement to improve response and community understanding.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville must adopt this model to ensure every Jewish institution and individual feels safe and supported.
A Community Security Director is more than a security expert—they are a strategic partner embedded in the community. In addition to their work conducting site assessments for synagogues, schools, agencies, and gathering places, training staff and volunteers in threat awareness and emergency protocols, coordinating with law enforcement at all levels and serving as a crisis liaison and leading response efforts when needed, they can utilize SCN’s intelligence network for real-time threat monitoring and national briefings.
SCN’s partnerships with the FBI, DHS, and Fusion Centers ensure the CSD has access to the latest intelligence and can act swiftly.
This role promotes empowerment, coordination, preparedness, and resilience—not fear.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville has both the opportunity and obligation to lead on security. Enhancing our security efforts will require a financial investment that must be sustained, as we see no signs of threats receding. Our community has been approved for a generous LiveSecure grant from Jewish Federations of North America to assist us in the launch of this initiative. To provide a runway for fundraising, both annual operating and an endowment to sustain the program in perpetuity, the LiveSecure grant will support the program’s cost 100% in the first year, 50% in the second and third years.
Let us ensure that every Jewish person in Nashville can gather, celebrate, and live Jewishly without fear.
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