Community, relationships and security

We were all shocked and dismayed when we learned of the attack on Beth Israel Synagogue in Texas on Jan. 15. The four hostages, the rabbi and three congregants, all survived the attack.

It seems that attacks on Jewish congregations and other Jewish facilities and organizations continue to grow. We know that there has been a significant rise in antisemitism, and we can easily remember some of them — Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas; Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Chabad in Poway, California, for example. And we know that there have been other physical, verbal and even virtual attacks and acts of antisemitism.

Our Jewish community is not free from these attacks. Clearly, we remember the shooting of the Temple Shalom sign. While there have been other events, they didn’t have the same visibility.

Jane Schiff and Jeffrey Feld

We have a wonderful Jewish community, which has made great strides in becoming part of the Greater Naples community. We have been able to accomplish this because of our participation. Participating with each other. Participating in programs in the general community. Creating partnerships with other organizations.

We have worked diligently in the following ways: Catholic-Jewish Dialogue, creating relationships with a variety of churches, relationship with the Collier County Public Schools and, especially, our relationship with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

The Jewish community, by participating in the general community, has helped to grow and enhance the general community. These relationships have been mutually beneficial.

Antisemitism is on the rise, and we need to be cognizant and vigilant about that fact. We need to do things that help us feel safe. We should not live in fear.

The Federation/Jewish community has a very positive working relationship with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. In the past, CCSO has provided security training, including response to an “active shooter.” The CCSO has been very helpful in the planning of security systems for the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. By the way, when anything bad happens in the Jewish community the world over, CCSO always reaches out to let us know that they are monitoring that situation and that there have been no known threats to this community.

Our community works closely with Secure Community Networks (SCN), which was founded by Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations. Representatives from SCN have been to our community, and met with leaders of our Jewish community, CCSO and other local law enforcement. SCN has also been helpful as we plan future security needs at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center and for our Jewish community.

You need to know that planning and training for security is on the top of our agenda items. The issue of security for our community will always be at the forefront of our planning and thinking.

Thanks to each of you, we have built and continue to grow a great Jewish community. Because of all our relationships and participation in the Jewish and general community, we continue as a vital and vibrant Jewish community.