A Message from the JCC, October 2023

We are all numbed by these unprecedented times. We are all in shock, the world is in shock. It goes without saying that our hearts are weeping for the horrific loss of life. We also offer our support and prayers to all those who are dealing with loss or the anguish of not knowing about loved ones in Israel.

Our position and focus over the past week has been to secure our institution to the best of our ability. Security of buildings and communities must continually adapt to be successful. In light of the recent events taking place in Israel, we have focused on keeping our building and members secure during these troubling times. Our goal is to remain open and be a safe place for our community to congregate.

The JCC is part of a wider security network called SCN (Secure Community Network). SCN is the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America. We receive daily reports, and have been kept apprised of the situation in not only Israel, but here in America and the entire world. We are given updates on a continual basis as needed, and have followed their recommendations. The authorities have assured us that there is no credible threat to the public in our community related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. SCN stresses that what we have all seen in the last several days is a lot of misinformation on social media; it is propaganda designed to provoke fear. That being said, it’s absolutely critical that we recognize how dynamic the environment is and that we stay prepared and vigilant.

You should have received the correspondence yesterday regarding the additional level of security for our campus with the added Armed Security Detail Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm. Our job is to protect the JCC campus; it’s staff, members and visitors daily. Safety and security is of the utmost importance.

Now is the time for our community to come together in strength. We owe it to Israel to be united in this effort. This will be a long struggle, but our job is to remain open, safe and thriving as a Jewish Community.

Am Israel Chai

Marci Erlebacher                      

Executive Director    

Phillip Rubenstein

Board President