Over the last few days, in the wake of the devastating crisis in Israel, we have focused our efforts here to ensure our yeshivas and Jewish day schools remain safe and secure for our children and communities. We have worked with numerous concerned heads of schools, lay leaders and community members, to provide them with security guidance and resources to protect their yeshivas and Jewish day schools. We have also been in constant communication with law enforcement, as well as state and local elected officials, about any present threats and the safety measures they are taking.
In response, officials in New York, New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida, have provided extra security and support for our communities, including:
In New York, Governor Hochul and Attorney General Tish James participated in separate special security briefings with our yeshivas and Jewish day school leaders, in addition to NYC’s Mayor Adams who hosted an in-person roundtable discussion.
In New Jersey, NJ Attorney General Matt Platkin convened yeshivas and Jewish day schools for a security briefing.
In Maryland, Homeland Security directed more patrols and more coordination between state and local enforcement. In addition, Maryland’s Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, Brigadier General Adam R. Flasch, convened a meeting with yeshiva and Jewish day school leaders.
In Pennsylvania, Governor Shapiro immediately extended the deadline for nonprofits to apply for security grants and strong communication across all levels of law enforcement.
In California, officials increased security and patrols at Jewish institutions across the state.
In Florida, schools received extra protection from Florida Highway Patrol with an armed guard stationed at their location all day today, and the Dept. of Education expedited the release of this year’s Jewish Day School security grant so schools can better protect their teachers and students.
We are grateful for the support from our state and local governments during this uncertain time. Now, more than ever, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to secure our yeshivas, Jewish day schools, and other Jewish institutions. If you have any security questions or concerns, or would like to learn more about how we can help get your institution the funding it needs to remain safe & secure, please reach out to us at information@teachcoalition.org.
We will continue to keep you updated as this situation evolves, and hope for better news ahead.
Maury Litwack
Founder, Teach Coalition
Daniel Mitzner
Director of Government Affairs, Teach Coalition
