Local police departments in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland credited the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for alerting them to a live hostage crisis in Colleyville, Texas, Jan. 15 just before noon and stepped up their response immediately.

When a shooting had been reported at the Embassy Suites hotel in Beachwood on April 20, many buildings within the city immediately went into lockdown. For parents with children in schools nearby a shooting, this can be an especially stressful time.

After attending a three-day security summit, the security director of JFC Security, LLC, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s security provider, said Cleveland has a balanced and smart security plan which he hopes resonates in the community.

At a time when antisemitism continues to reach all-time high levels across the country, JFC Security, LLC and area law enforcement have devised security plans intended to provide appropriate security so that community members can enjoy the High Holy Days safely.

In the midst of rising antisemitism trends across the United States, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s security provider, JFC Security, LLC, compiled a list of safety recommendations for the Jewish community to follow, where individuals can also protect the entire community.

In 2013, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland helped make Cleveland one of the first Jewish communities in the United States to launch a sophisticated community security initiative. With the recent resurgence of overt anti-Semitism and escalating hate-fueled violence, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland has been making a concerted effort to further enhance community security.

Last January, Jewish Clevelanders came out in big numbers to participate in the "No Hate. No Fear. Solidarity March" in New York City to stand up against hatred and anti-Semitism.

In the face of the growing threat from anti-Semitism and xenophobia, increased security throughout Jewish Cleveland is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. From increasing the number of highly trained officers hired to patrol our community to encouraging and training on sophisticated security protocols at more community locations, Federation is dedicating significant resources towards keeping our community open and welcoming to anyone who wishes to live Jewishly.

Law enforcement agents gathered with leaders of the Jewish community to hear about lessons learned from the Tree of Life Congregation shootings from the director of community security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.

As congregants prepare to engage in perhaps the most introspective time of the year, those charged with safeguarding synagogues are preparing to do so in light of a “new normal.”