By Reporter staff

The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton announced it is eligible to receive matching funds from the Jewish Federations of North America’s LiveSecure, a $54 million security campaign and initiative to ensure the security and resiliency of Jewish communities. The funds received will be based on new and increased pledges to the annual Campaign, and will be used solely for security. “This will be a new program for Federation and another way we can make an impact on the community as a whole,” said Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Federation. To make a pledge, use the form on page 5 and mail it to the Federation, or visit the Federation website here.

With LiveSecure grant funding, local Federations will be able to provide the training, tools and resources needed to protect those inside local Jewish Community Centers, synagogues, schools, senior centers, summer camps and other centers of Jewish life. Nationally, JFNA will collaborate with the Secure Community Network – which is the official liaison with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – to keep Jewish communities safe.

JFNA officials noted, “In this era of rising antisemitism, the goal of LiveSecure is to enable Jewish communities nationwide to advance the safety and security of their community members and institutions. We are there to help communities secure the critical funds and resources necessary.” Reported hate crimes are up overall, but the Jewish community faces the highest increase in religiously motivated hate crimes. The numbers have continued to increase since those recorded in a 2019 study: 

Sixty percent of religiously motivated crimes were directed at the Jewish community.
There was a 14 percent increase in religiously motivated crimes against Jews from the year before.

There was a 56 percent increase in assaults against Jews in the last two years.
“This is an important initiative,” Hubal added. “The attacks that have taken place against Jewish communities and other minority groups across the United States have left many of us fearful. One way to combat this is for all our organizations to be able to implement the latest security measures. By increasing your pledge or making a pledge for the first time, you can play an important role in keeping us safe.”