What you notice first are the smiles.
When the little ones at our early childhood centers see their friendly local police and security officers, their faces light up, and their tiny hands reach out for high-fives.
“Look at all the friends who came to see us!” one teacher tells the children, turning security into something familiar and comforting. “They keep us safe.” And that security—the kind that lets kids just be kids—is what every parent wants.
Today, that peace of mind matters more than ever. Families dropping off their children at Jewish schools and synagogues across our community can do so knowing there are trained professionals watching over them. That confidence comes, in part, from the Federation’s Leadership Leap, a bold initiative strengthening security and resilience here in New Jersey and in our partner community of Ofakim, Israel.
“Security for our pre-schools, our most precious and vulnerable resource, has always been of great concern to staff and parents,” shared Thomas “Chip” Michaels, Chief Security Officer of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. “Following the attack on October 7, 2023, the need and want for security has increased exponentially. Federation’s Community Security Initiative has been working very closely with all our early childhood centers to provide training, guidance, and support in receiving funds to ensure these efforts.”
Because every child deserves to giggle, grow, and explore—wrapped in the warmth of their community and the safety of those who stand guard.
To take the Leadership Leap, donate here.
For more details about the Leadership Leap, please read “Protecting Our Secure, Resilient Jewish Future.”