This month’s attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan is a stark reminder that antisemitic threats are real. The attack on the same day at Old Dominion University, though not targeting the Jewish community directly, hit close to home and underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness.
Through United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s partnership with Secure Community Network, Tidewater is part of a national security initiative. We work closely with law enforcement and Jewish institutions across the region to strengthen security, share information, and coordinate response efforts. This ongoing coordination helps ensure that Jewish institutions are prepared, connected, and supported in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
We remain in constant contact with local, state, and federal law enforcement and actively monitor the threat landscape. We also remain in close contact with all our Jewish institutions and are assessing opportunities to further improve our security preparedness and infrastructure. As a precaution, additional patrols are being conducted around Jewish institutions in Tidewater. At press time, there is no information indicating a specific threat to local Jewish institutions.
As always, we encourage organizations and community members to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity—both to law enforcement and through our incident reporting link: JewishVA.org/incident.
See something, say something.
Your awareness is the first line of defense. Report suspicious activity immediately: JewishVA.org/incident.
Why it matters.
The West Bloomfield incident demonstrates how training, preparation, and vigilance save lives. Every action you take contributes to keeping Tidewater safe.
Bring SCN to your synagogue for a training session. SCN’s gold-standard curriculum empowers participants with hands-on training and life-saving skills to prevent, respond to, and recover from potential incidents. To schedule a session, email mgoldsmith@ujft.org or call 757-965-6125.
Eight best practices for community safety.
As recommended by JFNA, SCN, and the ADL:
• Coordinate with law enforcement and SCN Regional Security Advisor
• Extend security perimeters wherever possible
• Limit events to pre-screened attendees
• Require registration and verification for public events
• Share event details only with confirmed attendees
• Control access to known participants
• Stay alert and report suspicious activity
• Add armed law enforcement, private security, or trained volunteers
Thank you for your vigilance and commitment to keeping our community safe. Working together, we strengthen the security of our entire community.
Mike Goldsmith is Tidewater’s Secure Community Network’s regional security advisor. He may be reached at mgoldsmith@ujft.org.