Ahead of the visit, VBPD’s Community Liaison Unit, along with the 2nd Precinct’s sergeant and officers, met with synagogue leadership for an introductory conversation and walkthrough of Temple Emanuel and its education building. The meeting provided an opportunity to build relationships, discuss challenges and opportunities, and familiarize officers with the facility, recognizing that it is far better to become familiar with a property before an emergency than during one.

 “The strength of Virginia Beach lies in our ability to foster deep, meaningful collaborations between the police department, our citizens, and our faith-based communities,” says Chief Paul W. Neudigate. “When law enforcement joins hands with the people we serve and the spiritual leaders who guide our neighborhoods, we create an unbreakable network of support and communication.”

 The meetings underscored the importance of strong partnerships between law enforcement and faith communities. Participants discussed the Jewish community’s unique needs while identifying opportunities to strengthen communication, collaboration, and ongoing security and preparedness efforts.

 “United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is grateful to Chief Neudigate, his leadership team, Captain Gordon and the officers of the 2nd Precinct, and Captain Gervin and the officers of the 4th Precinct, where the Sandler Family Campus is located, and the Virginia Beach Police Department as a whole for their partnership and commitment to helping ensure the safety, security, and well-being of the Jewish community,” says Betty Ann Levin, UJFT’s executive vice president/CEO.

 Secure Community Network trainings and services are offered at no cost thanks to the generosity of donors to United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. The support helps ensure every Jewish organization has access to expert security resources, regardless of size or budget. To help sustain this important work, please consider donating to UJFT’s Annual Campaign.

To learn more about SCN, visit JewishVA.org/SCN or email Mike Goldsmith at mgoldsmith@securecommunitynetwork.org.

Tuesday, August 25, 7:30 pm, Zoom

As the Jewish community prepares to gather for the High Holidays, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Secure Community Network (SCN) invite community members to participate in two free online security trainings designed to build awareness, preparedness, and confidence.

 Facilitated by Mike Goldsmith, SCN Regional Security Advisor for Tidewater, these trainings provide practical tools to help strengthen the safety and security of individuals, families, and Jewish communal spaces.

 The first session, BeAware: Introduction to Situational Awareness Training, will take place on Thursday, August 20. This one-hour online training teaches participants how to recognize suspicious or potentially dangerous behavior, identify potential threats, and take appropriate action. Designed for all community members, BeAware introduces the fundamentals of situational awareness and is beneficial for both first-time participants and those seeking an annual refresher.

 The second session, Countering Active Threat Training, will be held on Tuesday, August 25. Developed specifically for Jewish institutions, this training focuses on practical, potentially lifesaving response options during an active threat situation. Participants will gain tools to build confidence, enhance preparedness, and strengthen the safety of communal environments.

 Both trainings are free and open to the community, though advance registration is required. A Zoom link will be provided prior to each session. Register at JewishVA.org/SCN. 

 Organizations interested in bringing SCN training to their congregation, school, agency, or community group are encouraged to contact Mike Goldsmith at mgoldsmith@securecommunitynetwork.org.

 Together, these trainings move participants from awareness to action, helping ensure the community remains safe, secure, and prepared. 

Tuesday, Feb. 10, Richmond

As the 2026 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly gets underway this month, one message is clear: showing up matters. That’s why next month, members of the organized Jewish community from across the Commonwealth will bring their voices, values, and lived experiences to Richmond for Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day, the Jewish Community Relations Council’s most impactful annual advocacy gathering.

 Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day is a powerful expression of Jewish civic engagement—one rooted in the understanding that meaningful change happens when communities participate directly in the democratic process. The day brings together advocates of all ages and backgrounds to meet face-to-face with legislators, build relationships, and speak to the issues that affect Jewish life and the broader Virginia community.

 At a time when antisemitism continues to rise and concerns about community security remain front of mind, Advocacy Day is an opportunity to move from concern to action. Participants will advocate for critical priorities such as funding to protect synagogues and faith- based institutions, policies to combat hate and bias, support for the Virginia Israel Advisory Board, and more. 

 Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day reflects a longstanding commitment to partnership and relationship-building with policymakers. Legislators consistently emphasize the importance of hearing directly from constituents, and Advocacy Day ensures that Jewish voices from Tidewater are present at the table early in the legislative session, when ideas and decisions are still taking shape.

 For many participants, Advocacy Day is also inspiring. First-time advocates learn that they do not need policy expertise to make an impact—training, issue briefings, and guidance are provided leading up to and throughout the day. For returning advocates, it is a chance to strengthen relationships, reinforce shared priorities, and mentor new community leaders. Together, these interactions build lasting connections that extend well beyond a single day in Richmond.

 With momentum building and space limited, now is the time to register. A $54 fee reserves a seat on the bus and helps defray the cost of round-trip transportation to Richmond and a kosher lunch.

 Showing up is how communities are strengthened. Showing up is how voices are heard. And showing up—together—is how the Jewish community helps shape a safer, more just Virginia.

Date with the State, also known as Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day, provides an opportunity for the statewide Jewish community to come together to raise awareness around topics of importance such as countering antisemitism, maintaining funding for Jewish institutions, and ensuring that the Virginia Israel Advisory Board continues to have the funding to help Israeli companies build and grow their operations in the Commonwealth providing tax revenue and jobs across the state, etc.

Multiple reasons exist to attend this important day in Richmond.  Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day:

• Provides attendees the time and place to connect with their local legislators on issues affecting the Jewish community.

• Allows attendees – Jewish community members and allies – to make a visible impact in the state capitol. 

• Provides Jewish community advocates from across the Commonwealth a forum to learn and share with one another over lunch.

• Educates and motivates on important issues facing the Jewish community and encourages grassroots advocacy.

• Provides a forum for Virginia’s highest elected officials to give remarks to Jewish community advocates, and for the officials to see the strength of the statewide Jewish community.

Join members of Jewish Tidewater to advocate for the community – even just by being there. Each person’s presence demonstrates the strength and significance of the community’s collective voice. 

 A bus leaves from the Sandler Family Campus at 7 am. $54 includes kosher lunch and helps defray the cost of transportation. For more information about how to join this year’s delegation or to register, visit JewishVA.org/DWTS or contact Julie Kievit, JCRC program coordinator, at jkievit@ujft.org.

Robin Mancoll is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief program officer and Jewish Community Relations Council’s senior director.