Security by Federation

Because safety shouldn’t be optional

As threats to Jewish institutions rise, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is investing in our community’s safety with JShield—our initiative to help Jewish organizations stay safe, prepared, and resilient.

JShield provides expert assessments, security training, grant support, and trusted partnerships—working hand-in-hand with synagogues, schools, and institutions of all sizes to build a culture of security grounded in care and confidence.

Together, we’re creating a Jewish community that is ready, responsive, and empowered.

Witnessed something suspicious? Report it to our security team—your information will be handled promptly and confidentially. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

REPORT AN INCIDENT

What JShield Offers

All services are provided free of charge to Jewish institutions in the Greater Washington area.

About JShield

JShield strengthens Jewish institutions across Greater Washington by focusing on four core areas of community security:

Awareness: We share timely alerts, situational updates, and threat assessments to keep Jewish institutions informed and responsive.

Facility Enhancements: We conduct professional site assessments and advise on practical steps to strengthen physical security (target hardening)

Training & Preparedness: We offer free, customized trainings—from situational awareness to crisis response—designed to build confidence, preparedness, and resilience.

Law Enforcement Coordination: We maintain close working relationships with local and federal law enforcement to support proactive planning and rapid response.

Our Approach

Security starts with understanding your environment. JShield works directly with leadership at Jewish institutions to assess current safety needs, conduct thorough security walkthroughs, develop strategic security roadmaps, and support grant applications for local, state, and federal funding.

Our Partners

We work closely with trusted organizations—including the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Secure Community Network (SCN), and Community Security Service (CSS)—to provide 24/7 threat monitoring, intelligence analysis, training, and crisis response.

Through these partnerships, JShield extends access to real-time resources that strengthen the safety and resilience of our community.

Meet the Team

Russell H. “Rusty” Rosenthal, Executive Director, Community Security

Rosenthal most recently served as Vice President, Security, and Law Enforcement for ADL, and joins Federation with 25 years of investigative, executive leadership, and legal experience with the FBI, including in Israel, where he led the FBI office from 2019-2022.

Rosenthal has an extensive operational background in high-risk, complex environments, and has led diverse teams in investigating cyber, counterterrorism, criminal, as well as internal investigations. This expertise, coupled with his significant experience in evaluating security vulnerabilities, conducting risk assessments, and developing risk mitigation plans will be a tremendous asset to the Greater Washington community and Federation.

Shay HaLevi, Deputy Director, Community Security

Shay’s career began as an IDF Lieutenant in the Landmines and Explosive Unit, progressing to Master Sergeant in the Israeli Special Police Force (Lahav 433), specializing as an undercover detective. Over a decade, he gained experience in offensive and defensive training, developing a comprehensive skill set for real-time combat Participating in joint operations with Israeli intelligence, including ISA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mossad, Shay excels in field and urban warfare, threat assessment, and investigation. Now, with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, he brings extensive experience, dedicating years to diverse roles within the Jewish community. As the former Security Director at CESJDS, Shay ensured community safety, showcasing proficiency. His professional journey transitioned seamlessly to the United States, where he assumed pivotal security roles in local synagogues. A Bar Ilan University graduate in Social Studies majoring in Criminology and Penology, Shay combines academic knowledge with practical expertise.

Dr. Adam Bronstone, Grant Specialist

Dr. Adam Bronstone has worked in the Jewish communal field for two decades, including several federations in the United States and Canada. During this time, he has had community relations and security-related responsibilities, including working with law enforcement, conducting security assessments, and helping Jewish organizations apply for and receive federal and state security grants for needed security enhancements. Adam has also worked with Jewish organizations in the post-award management of security grants phase. Adam has a doctorate in political science and is well-versed in security-related issues, including the rise and current state of antisemitism and hate crimes in general.

Laura Katzif, Community Security Advisor – NOVA

Laura joins our team in conjunction with her current role as Director of Security for the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia.  She is responsible for all aspects of security, to include incident response, assessments, physical security including CCTV, access control, and alarm systems, guard force, grants, and training for members of the community. Laura has over 20 years of experience in corporate security, crisis and emergency management, and business continuity. She has worked with Georgetown University’s Office of University Safety, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Fairfax County’s Health Department and Office of Emergency Management, and the World Bank. Laura is a certified firefighter/paramedic, a member of ASIS International, the leading professional organization for security professionals, and the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals.

Ty Mooney, Intelligence Analyst

Ty’s career began in law enforcement, where he served as a police officer and investigator for the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland for six years. During that time, he gained specialized experience in open source intelligence and social media investigations. Now with Federation, Ty brings analytical and technical skills to help increase our community’s situational awareness and strengthen our security posture. Ty has a master’s degree in cybersecurity technology and a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice.

Customized Safety & Security Training

To help Jewish organizations across Greater Washington stay safe and ready, Federation offers the following trainings free of charge through our JShield program.

Ready to get started? Request a training today.

Situational Awareness Training: Learn to recognize suspicious behavior and respond appropriately in a variety of environments. This essential session empowers individuals to help build a culture of safety and awareness across our community.

Active Threat Response: Understand how to respond during an active threat or violent incident. This training outlines critical strategies for protecting yourself and others, with the option to schedule a walk-through or drill at your facility afterward.

Stop the Bleed: A hands-on workshop teaching life-saving techniques to control bleeding in emergencies. Participants will practice tourniquet use, wound packing, and other essential interventions that can save lives.

Tabletop Exercises & Drills: Testing your plans is just as important as having them. Our team will help you run realistic drills or tabletop exercises so your staff and volunteers are ready when it matters most.

In partnership with Community Security Service (CSS), JShield also offers the following volunteer-based trainings for synagogues and Jewish institutions.

Entry Point: An introductory training designed to build situational awareness and teach basic security procedures to your broader community. Offered in-person or virtually and customized for your institution’s setting.

Ushers & Greeters Training: Volunteers at the door set the tone—and can also be your first line of defense. This training equips ushers and greeters with tools to stay welcoming while being alert to potential threats.

Synagogue Security Team Training: A professional-level training for a select group of volunteers. Participants complete four hours of online instruction followed by in-person certification. Covers lockdowns, access control, and emergency routines.

Regional Outreach and Mobilization (ROAM): Designed for young professionals, this advanced program includes synagogue safety, event security, and self-defense. Graduates can support local institutions and protect community events throughout the year.

Customized Trainings: Have a specific need? Our security team can work with you to develop a personalized session based on your organization’s size, location, or program focus.

All trainings are provided free of charge to Jewish institutions in the Greater Washington area. Request training

Security Grant Writing Support

Last year alone, we helped secure $3.8 million in government grants for local Jewish institutions.

JShield is here to help your organization navigate the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) and other funding opportunities. Our team provides free, hands-on support to Jewish institutions across Greater Washington—helping you strengthen your physical security and readiness through expert guidance and consultation.

About the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The NSGP offers up to $150,000 per organization for physical security enhancements, personnel, planning, and training. Applications typically open in late February and are due within 2–4 weeks.

This federal initiative is designed to help at-risk nonprofit organizations prevent, prepare for, and respond to threats, and is administered through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

How to Get Ready

Given the short application window for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), we encourage you to start preparing now by taking the following steps:

Request grant support
Email us at security@shalomdc.org with “Security Grant Support” in the subject line. Our team will follow up within 2–3 business days.

Gather required documents
This includes your IRS determination letter and your mission statement on official letterhead.

Learn More About Security Grant Support

Document recent incidents
Compile a list of any hate-related incidents affecting your organization or members over the past three years—even if they occurred offsite.

Plan your request
Consider which physical security upgrades, personnel, or training you would include in your application.

Review a sample application
View a 2023 NSGP application to get familiar with the process (note: 2024 guidelines may vary).

All services are provided free of charge to Jewish institutions in the Greater Washington area. Request grant writing support