Secure Community Network

Secure Community Network (SCN) is the largest Jewish security organization in the United States, working with hundreds of synagogues across the country. SCN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.[2]

Secure Community Network (SCN)
Founded2004 (2004)
Type501(c)(3) nonprofit organization[1]
20-1437733
Area served
Jewish community in North America
Michael G. Masters
Websitewww.securecommunitynetwork.org

History

Founded in 2004, SCN was founded, according to its own website, "...[as] the official homeland security and safety initiative of the organized Jewish community in North America. Founded in 2004, under the auspices of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, SCN serves as the central organization dedicated exclusively to the safety and security of the American Jewish community, working across 146 federations, 50 partner organizations, over 300 independent communities as well as with other partners in the public, private, non-profit and academic sectors."[3]

According to SCN, one primary motivating detail incorporates rates of antisemitic actions taken against the Jewish American community that is disproportionate to the size of the community within the USA:

Just 2% of the U.S. population, Jews are the targets of more than 60% of religiously motivated hate crimes according to FBI data.[3]

Leadership

Michael G. Masters is the National Director and CEO of SCN since December 2017.[4] Masters has been called the, "...Jewish community’s new anti-terrorism czar..."[4]

Other staff

Bradley Orsini is the Senior National Security Advisor at SCN.[5]

Kerry Sleeper is a Senior Advisor at SCN.[6]

Dena Weiss is the assistant director and chief of staff at SCN.[7]

Jessica Anderson is the Community Security Director for SCN.[8]

Activities

SCN works to help the various synagogues of the United States to work with FBI, state, and local law enforcement partners. SCN also engages with local synagogues and works to enhance security on a variety of levels with synagogues from around the country. There are four levels that SCN emphasizes for different communities:[3]

  • Physical Security: 1. Ensure security systems are operation, 2. Ensure fire extinguishers are in working condition and readily available, 3. Ensure all windows, shades and curtains are locked.[3]
  • Operation Procedures: 1. Notify relevant individuals of changes in work schedules and/or closures, 2. Determine whether to close facility or telework, 3. Review access control policy; limit guests or visitors, if warranted. 4. Update local, state, and federal law enforcement points of contact, 5. Update internal communications.[3]
  • Security Personnel: 1. Prepare for additional security presence, 2. Prepare to call law enforcement (9-1-1)[3]
  • Protest Preparedness: 1. Do not engage with protestors, 2. Plan and discuss with your staff what actions to take during protest.[3]
  • Report a threat or Incident: Call 9-1-1 immediately.[3]

SCN in the media

SCN has been cited in numerous media reports as having played a role in the security and positive response to some attacks on synagogues around the country such as Colleyville synagogue hostage crisis.[9]

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has publicly stated an ongoing collaborative effort to work with SCN on security and safety at synagogues around the country.[10]

2023 Israel-Hamas War

Soon after the start of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war SCN was called on by media outlets to issue a statement, SCN responded in October 2023 saying, "At this time, there are no known credible threats to the US Jewish community."[11]

See also

References
  1. "Hillel the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life". Exempt Organizations Select Check. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  2. Andrea Suozzo; Alec Glassford; Ash Ngu; Brandon Roberts (2013-05-09). "Secure Community Network Inc - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  3. "About SCN | Secure Community Network (SCN)". www.securecommunitynetwork.org. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  4. Kampeas, Ron (2017-11-28). "Meet the Jewish community's new anti-terrorism czar". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  5. Robertson, Campbell (2023-05-29). "With Watchful Eyes, a Nationwide Network Tracks Antisemitic Threats". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  6. "Secure Community Network SCN Press Release News | Secure Community Network (SCN)". www.securecommunitynetwork.org. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  7. Kaufman, Jane (2020-04-08). "ADL, SCN share best practices to avoid zoombombing". Cleveland Jewish News. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  8. Staff, Juliette Smith and NBC16 com (2022-12-16). "Synagogues in Lane County increase security amid rise in anti-Semitism". KMTR. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  9. Andone, Dakin (2022-01-23). "The Secure Community Network has been building a shield over US Jewish communities. It saved lives in the Texas synagogue attack". CNN. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  10. "ADL and the Secure Community Network Announce New, Joint Effort to Fight the Dangerous Rise in Threats Targeting Jews | ADL". www.adl.org. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  11. Davis, Charles R. "Jewish institutions in the US are on guard following Hamas' attack on Israel". Business Insider. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
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