03/16/2026
Upcoming Briefings, Security Trainings & Advocacy Opportunities
Last week, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland shared an update with our community in response to the recent antisemitic attack on Temple Israel in Detroit. Today, we are following up with ways you can get involved in Jewish Cleveland through an upcoming briefing on the war with Iran, security trainings, and advocacy opportunities.
We hope you will participate and encourage others to do the same. Your involvement helps ensure our community remains safe, open, and welcoming.
Webinar Briefing: Israel & the United States at War with Iran with Haviv Rettig Gur
Wednesday, March 18 at 12 pm ET
Join the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) for a special briefing on the rapidly unfolding conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. Haviv Rettig Gur will provide timely insight and analysis on the latest developments and what they may mean for the region and the Jewish community worldwide. Moderated by Erika B. Rudin-Luria, Jewish Federation of Cleveland president.
Community Security Trainings
Run, Hide, Fight – Active Threat Response
March 30, 6 – 7 pm
Mandel JCC
26001 S. Woodland Rd, Beachwood
Participants learn escape strategies, safe hiding practices, communication methods, and last‑resort defensive actions if confronted by a violent attacker.
The Power of Hello
April 14, 6 – 7 pm
Mandel JCC
26001 S. Woodland Rd, Beachwood
By confidently greeting unfamiliar individuals and acknowledging their presence, community members can deter suspicious activity while maintaining a welcoming synagogue environment.
De‑Escalation and Conflict Management
April 23, 6 – 7 pm
Mandel JCC
26001 S. Woodland Rd, Beachwood
Participants learn how to recognize escalating behavior and use calm communication to reduce tension during confrontations. This training provides practical techniques for defusing antisemitic/anti-Israel verbal harassment, calming emotionally charged individuals, and maintaining personal safety.
Stop the Bleed
May 5, 7 – 8 pm
Jewish Federation of Cleveland
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building
25701 Science Park Dr, Beachwood
Stop the Bleed is a lifesaving program established by the American College of Surgeons in response to a Presidential directive on national preparedness. The program aims to enhance survival rates by empowering the public to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively.
Protect Our Communities: Urge Congress to Strengthen Security for Jewish Institutions
Last week’s antisemitic attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan is a stark reminder that Jewish communities across the country remain under threat. Thanks to on‑site security guards, tragedy was avoided — but relying on philanthropy alone is not sustainable.
Jewish communities spent over $765 million last year on security. That means fewer resources for education, camps, and essential programs, even as threats continue to rise.
Please take one minute to fill out this form and urge your Members of Congress to fully fund the federal security grant program that protects synagogues, schools, child‑care centers, community centers, and other vulnerable institutions.
Washington, D.C. Fly-In Advocacy Opportunities
May 4-5: Advocacy Day for Israel
JFNA is partnering with a coalition of pro-Israel evangelical organizations to bring 300–400 pastors to Washington, along with up to 125 rabbis and Jewish communal leaders, to advocate on issues related to Israel and combating antisemitism.
May 18-19: Jewish Federations of North America Advocacy Fly-in: Securing Our Communities
JFNA is organizing a fly-in to advance the Jewish community’s six-point security agenda announced after the antisemitic murders in Washington, D.C., and Boulder. The program will focus on advocating for stronger communal security at a time of rising antisemitism.
If you are interested in receiving more information for either fly-in, please contact Marc Ashed at mashed@jewishcleveland.org.
We are here for you.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Access Jewish Cleveland at 216-292-4636 or via accessjewishcleveland.org.
