In a time of rising hate, bringing together recipients of the Emergency Security Personnel Grant underscores the power of proactive collaboration. By sharing challenges, successes, and best practices, our community continues to learn from one another. Our strength lies in communication and shared purpose — we are stronger together.
The Tepper Foundation Security Fund was launched in November 2023, following the October 7 Hamas attacks, to protect college campuses and Jewish communal spaces amid a sharp rise in antisemitism. In 2024, the program expanded with the creation of the Emergency Security Personnel Grant, focused on safeguarding early-childhood programs (ages 0–5) within Jewish institutions.
Recognizing the ongoing need, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey successfully secured both 2024 and 2025 grants. Although funding was reduced this year, Federation matched prior levels by allocating additional resources raised outside the annual campaign, dedicating one-third of the funding to ensure $100,000 remained available for community protection. Of the 21 total recipients, 11 are new awardees this year.
“This partnership among Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and The Tepper Foundation — alongside Federation’s ongoing bridge-building to strengthen interfaith partnerships against antisemitism, hate, and violence — reflects a steadfast commitment to the safety and resilience of our communities, said Susan Antman, Executive Director of Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey.”
At the convening, awardees received their grant checks and detailed guidance on reporting requirements. Accurate reporting is essential, as Federation compiles and submits data to JFNA, The Tepper Foundation, and donors to demonstrate measurable impact and support future funding.
Attendees also participated in a briefing, Community Collaboration with Law Enforcement to Mitigate Targeted Violence, led by Special Agent Winter (SAW) from the County Prosecutor’s Office. Sgt. Winter emphasized the importance of community engagement and effective information sharing.
“Each piece — no matter how small or trivial it may seem — contributes to overall prevention and preparedness,” Winter said.
“From suspicious emails and bomb threats to vandalism and property damage, our community has faced it all,” said Amy Keller, Director of Security Initiatives and External Affairs. “Prevention begins with each of us. When we communicate and stay connected, we strengthen our collective security — together, we are stronger.”
Federation partners with information desks and fusion centers across the state and country, maintaining close relationships with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. “This enables us to connect the dots and disrupt potential threats before an incident occurs,” Keller added.
Federation is grateful to share this experience with our awardees and remains committed to safeguarding the safety and security of our community.
For more information, contact AmyK@jewishheartnj.org.
To report an incident, visit Report a Security Incident | Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey.