Milwaukee Jewish Federation has created a new community security service, called the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network.
Launched in recent weeks, the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network is projected to grow from its current roster of about 15 full-time, armed security officers, to at least 30 over the next 18 months.
The immediate roster of 15 is a result of Federation, a nonprofit, moving most of its security employees and resources to the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network, which is operating as a limited liability corporation. The move is part of an effort to further grow and professionalize Wisconsin’s Jewish security, said Ari Friedman, who has been working towards the move over the last three years.
Friedman’s new role as executive director of the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network replaces his prior position as vice president of security and facility operations for Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Friedman and Josh Martinson, deputy director of security operations, will continue to oversee the deployment of armed private officers at synagogues and Jewish institutions for protection, among other security services.
The shift of resources to a limited liability corporation follows national models and creates some legal advantages, Friedman said. The effort will increasingly shift security work from independent contractors to full-time employees. That shift will improve command and control, while also offering cost savings, Friedman said.
“It is projected that over the course of the next year to two years, we’ll get up to somewhere between 30 and 40 employees,” he said. The Wisconsin Jewish Security Network typically makes use of armed officers with prior law enforcement training. Its officers can often be found at Wisconsin schools, synagogues, Hillel events, Jewish institutions, Federation events, and elsewhere.
The Wisconsin Jewish Security Network’s stated mission is to “safeguard individuals, property and community values through constant vigilance, professional conduct, and a proactive approach to security management.” The organization describes itself as “dedicated to protecting the Jewish community across Wisconsin” and “delivering comprehensive security services.”
Funding for the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network comes from Milwaukee Jewish Federation and other sources, including grants and gifts.
More than site security
The Wisconsin Jewish Security Network is involved with much more than security at institutions and events. The Wisconsin Jewish Security Network (and its predecessor cohort of security personnel at Milwaukee Jewish Federation) has offered various services related to security.
“Like the rest of the Milwaukee Jewish community, our synagogue has benefitted tremendously from MJF’s security services,” said Beata Abraham, executive director at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid. “With regular security awareness trainings, guidance on how to keep our community safe, and the constant communication about threats in our area, MJF has allowed the Jewish community to feel safe and secure during a difficult time for Jews in the United States.”
Alan Klugman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Madison, said:
“The entire Jewish community of Madison is overwhelmingly grateful to Ari Friedman and the entire security team of Milwaukee Jewish Federations. It has assumed a strong presence here in Madison on many vital levels. It has been instrumental in guiding us through grant applications, in upgrading the level of active shooter training that we provide for our staff. We are indebted to you for the strong mentorship.”
Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin, CEO of Lubavitch of Wisconsin, and John Yopps, president and CEO of Jewish Family Servies in Milwaukee, also said the varied security services have been invaluable.
Friedman said The Wisconsin Jewish Security Network (and its predecessor staff at Milwaukee Jewish Federation) operates its various efforts on “six pillars”:
Education. Annually, it trains more than 1,000 people, including staff at Jewish institutions. Active shooter training and situational awareness are among the covered topics.
Intelligence. Information gathering by the group has led to arrests. Its work is more necessary than ever, Friedman said, noting that he and his employees have noted an increase in “threat tempo.” The Wisconsin Jewish Security Network hotline is 414-967-SAFE. In case of an emergency, call 911 first.
Communication. This refers to platforms and information sharing for community members.
Partnerships. The Wisconsin Jewish Security Network works with law enforcement and community partners.
Manpower. The staff and management include people who have worked as police officers, deputies and in the military. Staff members typically have law enforcement experience.
Target hardening. This can mean cameras, restricting access or other efforts to improve site security. “We have an assessment program where we do a professional security assessment of every one of our Jewish sites in the state on a rotating basis every three years,” Friedman said. “We do about 20 assessments per year. We also help organizations apply for nonprofit security grant funding through FEMA; from 2018 to now, we’ve helped more than 60 separate successful applications.”
This is needed
“We must address the reality that security is more important today than ever. Threats to the Jewish community have increased significantly in recent years,” said Nancy Kennedy Barnett, community volunteer and member of the Security Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network. “The newly formed Wisconsin Jewish Security Network is so important – it will continue to support and grow our sophisticated security operations in Wisconsin. We have a lot to be proud of, with the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network maintaining expert vigilance for us.”
The formal launch of the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network is an important step in formalizing and routinizing security of our Wisconsin Jewish institutions, according to Stephen E. Kravit, chair of the Security Advisory Committee.
“The Federation has grappled with how best to protect our Jewish community, and in recent years has vastly expanded the resources necessary to do this important work,” Kravit said. “Ari Friedman has been integral in leading this work and deserves significant credit for all he and his officers have done in the face of the rise in antisemitic incidents our community has experienced.”
Kravit added an appeal for support: “Great security, and the freedom to openly practice our religion and attend Jewish events, comes at a price. The Federation committee overseeing the WJSN is also charged with seeking monetary support from our community, and from government and foundation grants to fund this important service. I urge our community to support this effort to make Jewish Milwaukee and Wisconsin a safer place.”
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