In preparation for Hanukkah, our collective security remains top of mind. We are pleased to share the latest update from the Jewish Security Network, including important security tips for this special time of year.
Hanukkah Celebrations.
A festival of resilience, light, and collective strength—reminding us that our community’s security depends on each of us. Just as the Maccabees stood together to protect our people, we strengthen our community today by showing up, staying vigilant, and volunteering our time. Every trained volunteer, every act of awareness, and every moment of preparedness adds another light to our collective safety.
This season, let’s honour the spirit of Hanukkah by protecting what matters most: if you are attending an outdoor or public menorah-lighting, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police and the JSN Hotline, and if your organization is planning an event, please inform JSN, ensure a security plan is in place, and coordinate with local police for on-site support.
JSN’s Security Operations Centre.
We are pleased to share that we have selected and begun rolling out our new video monitoring system, enabling Jewish institutions to connect their security video feeds directly to JSN’s Security Operations Centre. This will support a coordinated, community-wide approach to monitoring threats and managing incidents. Our first eight participating institutions are now being onboarded and connected, with a goal of integrating an additional 80 in a phased approach over the next two years.
Upcoming Security Training.
We are also pleased to announce that we have just qualified a large group of new volunteers through our Protectors Program, with our next cohort beginning in January. This program provides community members with meaningful skills, knowledge, and confidence to help secure their community and loved ones—whether at synagogue, day school, or community gatherings. To find out more and register for JSN’s basic Community Watch or more advanced Protector training, please use the following links: Community Watch Training and Protector Training.
We regularly hear from JSN volunteers about how empowered they feel as they build their security knowledge, and how rewarding it is to give of their time to keep the community safe. As Dan, a JSN volunteer who became involved through his synagogue, recently shared:
“I highly recommend JSN training for everyone, as it’s very practical and eye-opening. I’ve continued to do refresher courses and volunteer for security duties at community events. I really appreciate how the JSN team has different skillsets and backgrounds, but they’re all rooted in one idea—that every member of our community deserves to be protected.”
I am grateful to Dan and to all our volunteers, who are instrumental in ensuring Jewish life continues to thrive in our community. We are all safer and stronger when everyone plays a role in our collective security. In addition to inviting you to get involved and join our upcoming training, I encourage you to always say something if you see something.
If you witness any suspicious behaviour, experience a hate crime, or have a security concern,
please call JSN’S 24/7 SECURITY HOTLINE – 437-222-3999.
In an emergency, always call 911 first.
I wish our entire community a safe and happy Hanukkah—Chag Sameach.
Jevon Greenblatt
CEO
Jewish Security Network of Greater Toronto