Antisemitic incidents and attacks have increased dramatically since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war in 2023. The Anti-Defamation League says such incidents “skyrocketed” 360 percent from October 2023 to January 2024, and the American Jewish Committee’s State of Antisemitism in America Report for 2024 shows that one-third of American Jews have been the target of antisemitism in the past year and that 56 percent of American Jews have altered their behavior due to fear of antisemitism.
Like any Jewish institution, security has long been a concern here at the Levite Jewish Community Center. Accordingly, we’ve taken numerous steps in recent years to make sure our members and guests feel not only comfortable, but secure.
“Our goal has always been to bring people together in a welcoming environment,” says CEO Brooke Bowles. “We’re taking measures to make sure everyone in our community feels safe at The J.”
Trained staff
One of the more important security enhancements implemented by The J in the past few years is the formation of a team of staff members that meets regularly to discuss security issues. The team includes Damon Summers, our regional security advisor from the Secure Community Network.
Damon offices at The Birmingham Jewish Federation, which coordinates his security role among the city’s Jewish organizations.
“This country and its Jewish communities are facing the most complex and dynamic threat environment ever,” says Damon, who retired as a captain after serving 28 years in the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. “And while we can’t control when and where an incident might happen, we can control our preparedness.” Since 2004, SCN has worked with hundreds of Jewish organizations and institutions across the nation to ensure safety and security.
A number of staff members from The J also participate in tabletop exercises with local law enforcement and attend various security-related workshops. All staff members are versed regularly in security protocols, and even summer camp counselors undergo security training.
Other measures that might be more evident to visitors include controlled access at the entrance, full-time on-site armed security, and dozens of cameras. It’s also hard to miss the mobile security tower in the parking lot that is monitored round-the-clock by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
Most of The J’s security-related efforts have been funded by federal and nonprofit grants — including from United Way of Central Alabama. The J also is exploring funding options at the state level.
How can you help?
“You hear the phrase ‘If you see something, say something’ a lot, but that’s because it really works,” Damon says. Bring up your concerns with a security guard or staff member, and if it’s not a 9-1-1 emergency you can submit an incident report or email the SCN Duty Desk.