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Community Security Initiative

Everyone deserves to gather without fear.

We protect synagogues, schools, agencies, and community spaces across San Diego — so Jewish life can happen out in the open.

Through professional expertise, deep law-enforcement partnerships, and a trained, watchful community, we keep Jewish San Diego safe, together.

$300K+
in security grants distributed this year
~250
security consultations conducted
17
organizations at the Security Roundtable with SDPD, Sheriff & FBI
~$1M
in state & federal grant applications submitted
Why this matters

Protecting Jewish life takes more than locks and cameras.

Jewish communities across the country face a rising tide of antisemitism and security threats. Meeting them takes coordination, professional expertise, real relationships with law enforcement, and a community that knows what to do.

A single congregation cannot reasonably build all of that on its own. Together, we can. By pooling expertise, intelligence, and resources at the community level, Jewish Federation of San Diego gives every Jewish institution in the region access to professional protection that would otherwise be out of reach — so no organization has to face a threat alone.

17
Jewish organizations coordinating with SDPD, Sheriff & FBI leadership
Featured · Security Roundtable

Turning relationships into readiness

Launched at SDPD headquarters, the Security Roundtable convenes 17 Jewish organizations on a regular basis alongside San Diego Police, the Sheriff's Department, and the FBI.

It is where intelligence is shared, plans are coordinated, and trust is built long before a crisis — so that when something happens, the whole community can respond as one.

Get involved →
Bill Ganley, Community Security Director
Meet Our Director

Bill Ganley

Community Security Director, Jewish Federation of San Diego & Secure Community Network

Bill Ganley has led community security for Jewish San Diego since February 2023, serving through Federation's partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America.

Bill brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, including service as Deputy Police Chief in Salem, New Hampshire, command of major case investigative units, nearly two years undercover on a statewide narcotics task force across New England, and five years commanding the Humane Law Enforcement Team at the San Diego Humane Society, overseeing felony investigations across 14 San Diego County cities.

Security consultation, education, and training
Physical security assessments
Law enforcement and emergency management partnerships
Region-wide emergency communications systems
Terrorism and public safety intelligence monitoring
Major event security coordination

How we keep the community safe

Core services that back the safety of every institution with the strength of the whole community.

Threat Monitoring & Intelligence

Active relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement, plus national Jewish security networks. When credible threats emerge, partner organizations receive timely, actionable alerts — not rumors, not panic. We translate raw information into clear guidance you can act on.

Security Assessments

On-site assessments of facilities throughout the community, evaluating physical security, access control, emergency procedures, and event safety. Each organization receives a practical, prioritized set of recommendations tailored to its building, budget, and needs.

Request an assessment →

Training & Preparedness

Training for staff, clergy, lay leaders, volunteers, and community members: situational awareness, emergency response, de-escalation, and what to do during a critical incident. Preparedness is the single greatest factor in keeping people safe.

Find a training →

Emergency Coordination

In a crisis, speed and clarity matter. We serve as a central point of coordination between affected institutions and law enforcement, helping ensure a fast, organized, and informed response when it counts most.

Grant & Funding Support

Many organizations qualify for security funding they never pursue. We help partner institutions identify, apply for, and manage security grants, including federal nonprofit security grant programs, so resources reach the places that need them.

Grant resources →

Security Roundtable

Launched at SDPD headquarters, the Security Roundtable convenes 17 Jewish organizations regularly alongside SDPD, Sheriff, and FBI leadership, turning relationships into readiness.

Join the roundtable →

Who we protect

The Community Security Initiative supports the full breadth of Jewish life in San Diego.

Synagogues and congregations of every denomination
Day schools, preschools, and religious schools
Community centers and gathering spaces
Jewish agencies and nonprofit organizations
Communal events, programs, and large gatherings
Community members at trainings open to everyone

If your organization serves the Jewish community of San Diego, we are here to support you. Protection is offered as a service to the community, regardless of size or affiliation.

Volunteer Program

Kehillah Community Watch

Kehillah means community, and community is our first line of defense. The Kehillah Community Watch trains volunteers from across Jewish San Diego to be the eyes and ears of their own institutions: greeters who know what to look for, ushers who know how to respond, and neighbors who know when and how to report.

Volunteers receive professional training from our security team and serve at their own synagogues, schools, and community events, extending professional protection with the watchfulness only community members can provide.

Become a Kehillah Volunteer

Professional trainingSituational awareness, de-escalation, and incident reporting taught by security professionals
Serve where you belongVolunteers protect the institutions they already know and love
A force multiplierEvery trained volunteer extends the reach of professional security across the county

What you can do

Security is not only the work of professionals. It is something every member of our community contributes to.

See Something, Say Something

You know your community better than anyone. A suspicious vehicle, an unfamiliar person photographing a building, a threatening message online — these are exactly the things we want to hear about. Reporting a concern is never an overreaction.

Report a concern →

Stay Aware

Simple habits make a real difference. Know the exits in the spaces you frequent. Notice what is normal so you can recognize what is not. Keep emergency contacts accessible. Awareness is a skill, and anyone can develop it.

Get Trained

Community-wide training sessions run throughout the year, open to anyone who wants to be better prepared. Practical, accessible, and designed for everyday people, not just security staff.

Find an upcoming training →
In an emergency, call 911 first.If you are witnessing a crime in progress, a threat to life, or an active emergency, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency concerns or suspicious activity, report it to the Community Security Initiative. We review every report and coordinate the appropriate response.
Report an incident

Latest news

Recent stories from our News & Blog.

A partnership worth investing in.

When you invest in community security, you are not funding fear — you are funding the freedom to live full, open, joyful Jewish lives without looking over our shoulders. That is a future worth protecting.

Support community security

Get in touch

Whether you represent an organization seeking support, a community member with a concern, or a donor who wants to help, we want to hear from you.

security@jewishinsandiego.org
(858) 716-0800

Report a concern

See something that doesn't feel right? Report it — we review every report and coordinate the appropriate response. In an emergency, always call 911 first.

Report an incident →