Fifty security professionals from JUF and Jewish Federations across North America joined law enforcement partners here in Chicago the week of Sept. 9 for the Secure Community Network ‘s annual Homeland Security Summit.

The two-day event focused on a range of security issues in advance of High Holy Days, including attack prevention and monitoring threats from white supremacists and Islamic terrorists. Attendees also heard SCN leaders and security directors review the response to the attacks at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh last October and at the Chabad of Poway in April.

“More than ever our community recognizes the need for better security awareness and planning,” said SCN National Director and CEO Michael Masters. “The summit is a way for security directors to learn from each other and better serve the Federations they work in so the Jewish community can be better protected.”

Founded in 2004, SCN is the official security arm of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

“SCN is a valuable national partner in JUF’s own efforts to make our local community safer,” said Jay Tcath, JUF’s Executive Vice President. “Their resources, counsel, connections to law enforcement, and readiness to help are very helpful. That their CEO Michael Masters happens to be a Chicagoan with whom we’ve worked for many years means that we’re able to exploit their services even more.”

Attendees heard from the Security Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, Brad Orsini, about how the security response following the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue last October saved lives. Masters and SCN Senior National Security Advisor Doron Horowitz briefed attendees on the response in Poway.

In addition to security directors, law enforcement partners including Brian Harrell of the Department of Homeland Security were in attendance. Harrell serves as the Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which is responsible for preventing attacks on community organizations.

“Our continued partnership with law enforcement officials and CISA in particular is important to the safety and security of Jewish organizations across the country,” said Masters. “They understand that our community faces unique threats and are committed to ensuring our safety.”

Attendees also heard from SCN Senior Intelligence Analyst Abigail Hall about the organization’s Duty Desk, which monitors incidents and potential treats in partnership with security directors and law enforcement around the country.

Security directors also attended a “Train-the-Trainer” course in best practices for leading drills and trainings, including responding to active shooter events. SCN has seen a significant increase in requests for trainings since the attack in Pittsburgh last fall.

Additionally, the security directors participated in working groups to discuss security issues including planning for special events, security standards and best practices, and information sharing.