Jewish Peninsula announced that it is the recipient of a nearly $35,000 early security grant from The Tepper Foundation through Jewish Federations of North America, helping to protect the community’s most vulnerable population during a time when antisemitism is spreading across the nation. The funds are given with the intention of hiring security personnel for programs when young children are on site, as well as supporting other faith communities’ security needs.  This is the second year that Jewish Peninsula received security grant funding from the Tepper Foundation.  

Jewish Peninsula utilized this grant opportunity to hire a security guard for the Camp Chaverim summer season.  In addition, Jewish Peninsula has made grants available to our partner synagogues and agencies, including: Adath Jeshurun Congregation, Chabad of Williamsburg, Congregation Emet V'Or, Rodef Sholom Temple, Temple Beth El of Williamsburg, and Temple Sinai.

“Security continues to be a top concern for our Jewish community” said Jewish Peninsula CEO Eric Maurer. “The Tepper Foundation's investment in our community is one of many ways that Jewish Peninsula is responding to the burden security costs place on our communal organizations."  This year, Jewish Peninsula was able to partner with the Newport News Police Department to secure grant funding to offset the cost of hiring security for congregations.  

The Tepper Foundation has been a major partner with Jewish Federations of North America in response to the growing number of antisemitic incidents in the United States since the October 7th Hamas terror attacks on Israel. The organization launched the Security Fund in November 2023 and has now made grants of more than $12 million across the nation to support the security needs of the American Jewish community.

Building on the success of Jewish Federations’ LiveSecure initiative – the largest philanthropic effort to support Jewish security in North American history – Jewish Peninsula and other Jewish Federations have become The Tepper Foundation’s partner in continuing to ensure the safety of Jewish communities nationwide.

As a LiveSecure participating Federation, Jewish Peninsula has established a comprehensive security plan under the auspices of Jewish Federations of North America and committed to building and strengthening relationships with other religious leaders and faith-based institutions in their communities by sharing their security expertise. This is a new aspect of The Tepper Foundation’s commitment to security, aimed at improving interfaith relations as well as enhancing safety for all populations confronting hatred.

 

Jewish Peninsula is proud to help create a safe, secure and flourishing Jewish community.  To learn more about Jewish Peninsula's Secure Community Initiative, click here.