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As we approach Passover, ensuring the safety and security of our community remains a top priority for us all. I am writing to you today to highlight the collaborative efforts our organization has undertaken in partnership with other community organizations to enhance our preparedness and vigilance.In the wake of the tragic 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh, Federation CJA’s Board of Directors embarked on a bold reassessment of our community security strategy. Recognizing the escalating threat of antisemitism in North America, we understood the paramount importance of safeguarding Jewish life to preserve our community’s values and traditions. Since then, our commitment to community security surged, with our annual expenditure rising from $500,000 to $1.4 million (and it is continuing to rise).Central to this effort has been our Montreal Community Security Network (CSN), which has significantly bolstered our collective safety and resilience since this pivotal shift.However, since October 7th, the Jewish community, particularly in North America, has grappled with the sobering reminder that the world's oldest hatred persists. Hate incidents have surged to levels not witnessed since the Shoah and earlier.
Recent Security Concerns
In Montreal, incidents of antisemitic hate have surged, with over 125 reported since October 7th alone (this number is very much underreported as many incidents do not get reported to police). These include alarming events such as a Molotov cocktail thrown at Beth Tikvah Synagogue and the West Island Federation building on November 6th, violent clashes on Concordia campus on November 8th, and the discovery of a bullet hole on the front façade of Yeshiva Gedola and Azrieli Talmud Torah during the week of November 12th. Intimidation and threat are the goals of anti-Israel and antisemitism groups. Federation CJA’s CSN has worked closely with the SPVM and the hate crimes unit to address these incidents and we are still waiting for an arrest in these crimes.The Federation CJA incident reporting hotline and online reporting tool have seen record surges since October 7th; a 66% increase in calls and incident reports ranging from vandalism to hate speech to physical attacks.When International Terrorist Organizations declare a “world day of Jihad against Jews” in late October and then again in early November, Federation CJA acted immediately to provide or schools, Synagogues and Jewish institutions, including Jewish CPEs, with an immediate infusion of $1,000 per institution to hire additional security guards. All said, Federation CJA invested over $150,000 to support Jewish organizations on the “days of Jihad” and ensure that Jewish life DID NOT STOP because of the threat.
Readying our Community Against Antisemitism
As the central organizing body for the Montreal Jewish community, Federation CJA is taking a significant role ensuring that Jewish life in our institutions, synagogues, and Jewish day schools can continue to thrive and operate with a sense of security.
Over the past four years, the CSN has risen as a global leader in Jewish community security networks, propelled by a comprehensive strategy to avert tragedies like the one at Tree of Life.
Through our network, we offer a strategic assessment of the threat landscape to keep community members and organizations situationally aware.
What We Offer
Our core activities comprise these components:- TRAIN Jewish community leaders, staff, and members in basic security skills and threat awareness.
- CONDUCT site assessments and provide recommendations and resources to remedy vulnerabilities.
- GUIDE organizations through the process of applying for government security grants.
- ADVOCATE with law enforcement agencies for support against threats and to combat antisemitic incidents.
- PROTECT our schools.
- INFORM and ALERT Jewish community leaders and members of important security updates.
The Community Security Network helps community organizations significantly boost preparedness, empowering them to develop vital procedures, obtain essential equipment, and implement facility improvements that instill confidence and allow Jews to gather and celebrate together.Since January 2019, well before Oct 7th and the antisemitic wave that followed, CSN has executed a meticulously planned strategy, supported by a $10 million (plus) investment, tailoring security measures for each institution through collaborative site inspections. This effort has seen the deployment of physical enhancements like planters/boulders and window film across 32 schools, synagogues, and Jewish institutions.Furthermore, the CSN offers continuous support beyond physical upgrades, including school information sessions and protocol refreshers during the high holidays. This commitment extends to ongoing upgrades in surveillance cameras, access controls, lockdown systems, and intrusion alarms, further fortifying our infrastructure and operational capabilities.As a result, our proactive approach has become a benchmark for other communities, with many national and international organizations visiting Montreal’s Federation CJA to seek guidance from our practices, affirming our leadership position in community safety and security.
Collaborations and Partnerships
CSN's collaboration extends globally, involving law enforcement agencies and international partners. Through sharing best practices, 32 institutions and 38 buildings have enhanced their security measures, and each have tailored and detailed protocols to follow. Notably, our partnership with security specialists has been impactful.Avi Satov, Head of JPPS Bialik, praised the expertise and infrastructure improvements. Mordechai Nelken of Rabbinical College of Canada emphasized significant progress since October 7th, including completed security installations and ongoing assessments, crediting a change in security suppliers and new external collaborators for their valuable input.
Volunteers: The Backbone of CSN
At the core of CSN's success are dedicated volunteers—neighbours, friends, and colleagues—who selflessly devote their time. The volunteer program has become a vital component of CSN’s operations. Volunteers undergo extensive training, covering theoretical and practical aspects of security measures. Their active involvement, alongside parents and staff members, has been instrumental in enhancing security measures on the ground.Early volunteers like Lorne N and Jesse L exemplify dedication and resilience. Lorne succinctly describes their role: "We're the eyes and ears outside schools, synagogues, and public gatherings. We do sweeps before school, follow lockup protocols, and remain vigilant."“Their contribution adds an essential layer of protection to our community,” notes Federation CJA’s Director of Security David Zarfati. “While schools and synagogues have hired guards, these professionals may not always recognize or discern friendly from hostile individuals. The volunteers bridge this gap, providing an extra level of awareness and security.”Despite the challenges, their commitment to proactive security measures was strong even before October 7th. According to Jesse, “Not one of our protocols has changed since October 7th because this is what we've been training for. CSN exists not because of October 7th but because it was necessary even before October 7th.”Alongside approximately 50 volunteers from the first Montreal cohort, Lorne and Jesse participated in a weeklong intensive training, equipping themselves with necessary skills. After their training, volunteers like Lorne and Jesse are deployed according to schedules and shifts. For day-to-day operations, they cover school shifts, while for larger events such as rallies, volunteers are called upon on a case-by-case basis. The scheduling involves anticipating needs, assessing the required number of volunteers, and ensuring recruitment to meet those needs.
Impact Since October 7th
In response to the heightened security concerns following October 7th, we recognized the vital importance of increasing funding as quickly as possible. With an additional $700,000 in funding, we've been able to implement further security enhancements. Moreover, the number of volunteers has more than doubled, reflecting our community's collective resolve to address security challenges head-on.Notably, new volunteer recruits like Karina R and Matthew C embody the spirit of community resilience and solidarity. Despite their busy schedules, they prioritized involvement in CSN's volunteer program, recognizing the critical importance of security measures for the safety of their children and the wider community. According to Matthew, "After October 7th, many of us felt compelled to take further action, especially considering the safety of our children and community. There was a heightened level of anxiety among parents."Since October 7th, over 200 new individuals, like Karina and Matthew, were trained, and additional security gear was purchased, resulting in a significant increase in man-hours dedicated to security and an expanded network of vigilant eyes and ears. With these measures in place, our community is more protected than ever before.
Looking Ahead
As we face the future's uncertainties, Federation CJA and our CSN remain dedicated to enhancing community safety and resilience. Adapting and improving to meet the ever-changing security landscape effectively, and sustaining volunteer engagement are ongoing priorities. In response to the concerns voiced by our community, we are driven to maintain vigilance and proactivity in confronting these challenges.In the face of ongoing security challenges, we remain vigilant and proactive. Collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies and organizations like CIJA, we continuously assess and enhance our security protocols. Our work with the Chief of Police and global partners ensures that we stay ahead of emerging threats, but there's always more to be done. Your ongoing contributions to CSN will play a pivotal role as we strive to keep our community safe and resilient.DONATE NOW
Your contribution to the CSN is critical as we strive to meet the growing needs of our community. With your support, we can implement additional essential security measures and fund upcoming projects aimed at enhancing community safety. These include, but are not limited to:- Upgrading to a world class centralized access control and surveillance system across all our institutions.
- Expanding our volunteer capacity.
- Additional training for volunteers.
Your donation will directly contribute to these efforts, ensuring that our community remains safe and resilient in the face of evolving security challenges.Chag SameachYair Szlak, LL.B
President and Chief Executive Officer
Federation CJA
