Press release . October 01, 2024

CJP Announces Historic $15M Initiative to Strengthen Community Security Across Greater Boston

Landmark investment will fund new training programs, facility upgrades, and emergency response coordination across 50+ partner organizations

Author image for Press release - CJP Announces Historic $15M Initiative to Strengthen Community Security Across Greater Boston
Published by
Combined Jewish Philanthropies

BOSTON, MA Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), the largest organized Jewish community in New England, today announced a historic $15 million initiative to strengthen community security infrastructure across Greater Boston. The multi-year investment represents the largest single commitment to community safety in CJP's 130-year history.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN) and local law enforcement agencies, will provide comprehensive security upgrades to more than 50 Jewish institutions including synagogues, day schools, community centers, and social service organizations throughout the region.

"This investment reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that
every member of our community can gather, worship, learn, and celebrate
in safety. Security is not just about physical infrastructure—it's about peace
of mind."

Rabbi Marc Baker, President & CEO, CJP

Key Components of the Initiative

The $15 million investment will be deployed across four strategic areas over the next three years:

 

Initiative Funding Allocation

  • Physical Security Upgrades ($6M): Access control systems, surveillance equipment, secure entry points, and facility hardening
  • Training & Education ($4M): Professional security training for staff and volunteers, active threat response programs, and community awareness initiatives
  • Emergency Response Coordination ($3M): Regional communication systems, incident response protocols, and coordination with law enforcement
  • Technology & Innovation ($2M): Advanced threat detection systems, cybersecurity measures, and monitoring capabilities

Community-Wide Implementation

The initiative will be implemented in phases, with priority given to institutions serving the most vulnerable populations, including schools and senior care facilities. All participating organizations will receive customized security assessments conducted by certified professionals.

CJP security professionals conducting training with community volunteers at a recent workshop.

"We've seen unprecedented levels of coordination across our community in recent months," said David Grossman, CJP's Vice President of Community Security. "This investment allows us to build on that momentum and create lasting infrastructure that will protect our community for generations to come."

Partnership with Law Enforcement

The initiative includes a formal partnership with the Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and the FBI's Boston Field Office. These partnerships will facilitate information sharing, joint training exercises, and coordinated response planning.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox expressed strong support for the initiative: "The Jewish community has been a vital partner in our public safety efforts. This investment demonstrates the kind of proactive, community-led approach that makes our entire city safer."

Funding and Sustainability

The $15 million commitment includes $10 million from CJP's emergency reserve fund and $5 million in new philanthropic commitments from community donors. CJP has also established a dedicated Security Endowment Fund to ensure long-term sustainability of these programs.

Community members interested in supporting the initiative can contribute through CJP's website or by contacting the development team directly.

 

About CJP

Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) is the largest organized Jewish community in New England and among the largest in North America. CJP brings together thousands of individuals and hundreds of partners to care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life, and bring people together across Greater Boston, Israel, and around the world. Through philanthropy, volunteer engagement, and strategic grant-making, CJP makes a measurable impact on the issues that matter most to our community. Learn more at cjp.org.