Security Is an Ongoing Process, Not a One-Time Fix

By Laura Katzif, Community Security Advisor, Northern Virginia 

Every week, I’m in conversation with local Jewish institutions—synagogues, schools, community centers—about what’s happening on the ground when it comes to security. 

What I’m hearing is consistent: people are doing more, thinking differently, and responding to a landscape that continues to shift. 

And it’s not easy. 

Security is an ongoing process. It’s not a one-time fix, and definitely not a box you check and forget. 

Many organizations have already changed their posture: adding personnel, revising protocols, tightening procedures. But most of these changes weren’t in the budget. Figuring out when and how to deploy security staff isn’t a simple call. It’s a conversation involving lay leaders, professional teams, congregants, and sometimes even elected officials. 

There’s also the ongoing need to upgrade infrastructure, replacing aging cameras, updating access systems, and ensuring equipment is reliable and up to date. These aren’t theoretical concerns; they’re part of responsible, forward-looking planning. Federal funding, like the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), can help. But the process takes time and bandwidth. That’s why JShield offers direct support throughout the grant process: from crafting strong applications to navigating post-award paperwork, so institutions can secure and use the resources they need. 

Bandwidth is a real issue. I’ve worked with synagogues that simply didn’t have the staff time or technical knowledge to complete the post-award steps. Not because the need wasn’t there, but because the process is burdensome. That means important funding can go unused. 

And still, security is so much more than equipment or guards. Preparedness is also about people—training staff, involving community members, and making sure emergency plans are reviewed, updated, and practiced. There’s still a real need to expand who’s engaged in this work. The more people who know what to do and how to respond, the stronger and more resilient we become as a community. 

That’s what JShield is here for. We help institutions across Greater Washington build practical, sustainable security through training, planning, assessments, and hands-on support. And when funding or capacity isn’t there, we work to help close the gap. 

Over the past few months, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has been reviewing dozens of security grant applications from local institutions—each one a reflection of real needs and responsible planning. That process has made it even clearer how much care, creativity, and commitment our community is bringing to this work. It’s also underscored how important it is that we continue to invest in security—not just as a reaction to threats, but as a shared responsibility for the future. 

Ultimately, this isn’t just about what we’re protecting. It’s about ensuring that every Jewish institution has what it needs to remain open, connected, and strong. 

If your organization needs support—at any stage—we’re here. 

Learn more at shalomdc.org/security