New security measures begin this fall

Strengthening our community

Nammie Ichilov Federation President & CEO

As we enter a new season of Jewish communal programming, our community is implementing enhanced security protocols that reflect both the challenging realities of our time and our unwavering commitment to maintaining vibrant Jewish life. Beginning in September, all community members will notice important changes designed to keep our communal spaces safe while preserving the welcoming atmosphere we cherish at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

The need for these measures becomes crystal clear when examining recent data from the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents. Last year alone, 9,354 antisemitic incidents occurred across the United States, the highest number recorded in the ADL's 46-year history of tracking such events. This represents a staggering 893% increase over the past decade and a 344% increase over just the past five years.

These alarming statistics align with findings from the Secure Community Network (SCN), North America's official Jewish safety organization, and our partner in keeping the Greater Naples Jewish community safe locally.

Given this reality, starting this September, community members will experience several new security measures designed to enhance our collective safety. Most visibly, our security presence will be more prominent outside the building before entry. Additionally, every visitor, regardless of how well-known they are to our staff and volunteers, will be required to scan their identification badge upon entering, even when groups of people are entering together. We are therefore asking everyone to avoid "piggybacking" into the building behind others, ensuring we can account for every person on campus through the process of scanning each guest’s personalized badge. For those who may have forgotten or misplaced their building ID, a driver's license can be presented to receive a temporary day-sticker

We understand that long-time community members might feel these measures seem unnecessary when staff know them well. However, these protocols aren't designed solely for peaceful times, they are preparation for potential emergencies when quickly identifying who belongs in our building versus unknown individuals becomes critical for everyone's safety. In moments of crisis, even the most familiar faces may not be immediately recognizable to security personnel who need to make splitsecond decisions.

Unfortunately, security has become a critical essential investment in Jewish communal life, an essential expense that enables us to maintain the rich, engaging programming our community deserves. This investment of community resources, some call “The Jewish Tax,” spans multiple areas: our partnership with SCN for a Regional Security Advisor, physical security measures including professional personnel, and extensive outreach to educate our non-Jewish neighbors, legislators, interfaith partners, schools, businesses, and community organizations about the importance of collaborative safety efforts. While these costs are significant, they represent our commitment to ensuring that fear never dictates how we live our Jewish lives.

Despite record levels of reported incidents of “Jew-hate,” Jewish communities across North America continue to thrive. As SCN notes in their recent annual report, this resilience reflects the collaborative efforts of security professionals, community partners, and law enforcement working together to prevent attacks and respond swiftly when needed. Our community's strength lies not in retreating from engagement but in taking proactive steps that allow us to flourish.

These new protocols represent our determination to build “a culture of vigilance and pride" ensuring that today's safety measures enable Jewish life to prosper for generations to come. As we implement these changes, we ask for your patience and understanding. Every community member plays a vital role in our collective security through the principle of "see something, say something." Your awareness and cooperation with these new procedures don't just protect you, they safeguard everyone who enters our sacred space.

Together, we are not just responding to challenges with fear, but with thoughtful action. Our enhanced security measures reflect our shared commitment to maintaining the vibrant, welcoming Jewish community that has always been our strength. In this spirit of partnership, we face the future with determination and hope, knowing that our collective vigilance today ensures a thriving Jewish tomorrow.