Antisemitism and Security in our Community

The Jewish Federation and our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) play a vital role in countering and opposing antisemitism by teaching the dangers of hatred and discrimination that led to the Holocaust, advocating for a more just and safe world, and investing in security for Jewish institutions.

Countering Antisemitism

63% of Jews in America experienced or witnessed some form of antisemitism in the last five years.
The Jewish Federation ensures the safety of our Jewish community by investing in education about antisemitism, building relationships with others that are committed to standing against hate and bigotry, investing in communal security, and ensuring that Jewish life will continue to flourish on college campuses.

“JCRC has been a great partner to Hillel at Temple University whenever there have been reports about an antisemitic or anti-Israel incident on campus. The professionals never make assumptions about what is happening, advise us on how to respond and provide impactful support on campus and in the community.”

-Rabbi Daniel Levitt, Executive Director, Hillel at Temple University

Holocaust Education

To commemorate the Holocaust is to understand and learn about the dangers of hatred and discrimination so we can secure a more just and safe world for future generations. JCRC provides education resources about the Holocaust, racism and genocide, gathering thousands of public school students and teachers in Greater Philadelphia to learn through Youth Symposiums on the Holocaust, a major art competition and dialogues with expert speakers.

“As George Santayana wrote, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,’ and it is one of the goals of the Mordechai Anielewicz Competition to engage students and their teachers in meaningful Holocaust study by inviting them to process and channel their learning through the arts. I think the opportunity – and challenge – of responding creatively to historical material that is often difficult allows students to understand that the issues at stake then are still with us now –they are those of basic human rights and dignity.” 

-Dr. Maureen Pelta, chair of the Mordechai Anielewicz Creative Arts Competition, which was created by Dr. Pelta's father Samuel Pelta in 1973

Security

The Jewish Federation provides resources for communal security in order to identify and proactively address potential safety threats in our region, and to engage everyone
in the effort to be trained and prepared. The JCRC works on both the federal and state levels to advocate for increased funding available to Jewish institutions for ongoing security improvements. This includes advising community agencies, day schools and synagogues on security needs, how to access funding or apply for grants and improving security monitoring across campuses.

“I want to thank the Jewish Federation for making us aware of, and providing the resources to, access critical funding. We received a Nonprofit Security Grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) which will aid us with security guards, security cameras, as well as threat and response training.” 

- Jodi Roth-Saks, Executive Director, Jewish Relief Agency

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