Anti-Semitism

In a recently published Op-Ed in the JTA, Jerry Silverman, President & CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, our parent organization, reported that the Department of Homeland Security is partnering with the Jewish Federations and the Federation-funded Secure Community Network (SCN) to address the threat of terrorism in the Jewish community. This marks the first time that DHS has teamed up with a faith-based community.

Silverman reminds us that our security will require the whole community's involvement and that communication is our first line of defense.

SAFE Washington/A Mark Bloome Initiative works for our entire Jewish community throughout the year, providing an early warning communications system, as well as security trainings to Jewish organizations throughout the state, like disaster response and community preparedness. In addition, SAFE Washington works closely with the Secure Communities Network, a national Jewish organization which advises the American Jewish community regarding matters of communal safety, security and preparedness.

Please join us for the Nordic Heritage Museum's 2011 Raoul Wallenberg Dinner and Lecture Series, cosponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center and Washington State Jewish Historical Society. The dinner will be on Tuesday, June 14 at 5:30pm and the lectures will be on Tuesdays, May 24, and May 31 at 7pm at the Nordic Heritage Museum.

After swastikas were painted on Northwest Yeshiva High School's buildings a day before Yom Kippur, Mercer Island Police contacted SAFE Washington. Immediately, Jewish Federation staff and the members of the SAFE Washington core team began working with Mercer Island Police, Northwest Yeshiva High School officials, Washington State's Intelligence Unit, and the Secure Community Network (SCN) to assess the scope of the incident, offer advice and assistance on next steps.

This news item is courtesy of our partner agency, Jewish Agency for Israel.

An explosive device was hurled into the courtyard of the synagogue in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the first day of Rosh Hashanah (Thursday, Sept. 9). There were no injuries because no one was at the synagogue at the time of the attack, but there was damage to the walls of the synagogue from the shrapnel inside the explosive device, which included metal ball bearings and nails. The Jewish Agency for Israel is following the situation in Bishkek closely and is in touch with Jewish community leaders, standing ready to assist the community with whatever needs may arise.

We are pleased to share with you this story that appeared recently in the Wall Street Journal that highlights some of the important work we do rescuing and helping Jews at risk around the world. Thanks to the support of many in our community, the Jewish Federation helped in the rescue of these persecuted Jews in Yemen. Your contribution makes a difference. Thank you.