The hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas last month has spurred Jewish centers in the United States into action, and hundreds of them have increased security, local media reported.
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According to Israeli tech website NoCamels, the Jewish Federations of North America has introduced an initiative called LiveSecure to raise $126 million over the next three years to boost security in Jewish places of worship, institutions, and community centers.
This will enable all 146 communities where Jewish federations are located have a security hub, the report said.
NoCamels further reported that simultaneously, an anonymous philanthropist reached out to Israeli-founded firm Gabriel Network and pledged $1 million to install the company's security platform of smart crisis management tech in 500 locations across the United States.
Company CEO Yoni Sherizen said that the company's security and surveillance system has been rolled out in New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Michigan.
"Interested parties in California, Tennessee, and Connecticut have reached out to learn more about the company," he noted.
"We're also trying to work through local organizations, like federations or security directors, since they have the resources and it can be a win-win. They have the expertise and this can help them. And then they can help organize those communities," he told the website.
Founded in 2016, Gabriel Network's platform includes a blend of proprietary sensors, mobile apps, and a surveillance system that can also be set up within existing security systems.
"We also have a communications platform that sends out messages to all the smartphones in the area that are on the platform. What you're able to do is actually manage that situation through this very simple dashboard. In tactical terms, it's a command and control facility," Sherizen said.
President and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, the umbrella organization for 146 Jewish Federations, appeared before US lawmakers on Tuesday to discuss the issue of security.
"The United States of America has historically been the most welcoming nation in history with respect to the protection and safety of the Jewish people," he told the House Committee on Homeland Security. "Nevertheless, we Americans are not immune to the viruses of hate that remain in the world, and that are dramatically on the rise at this very moment at home and abroad. We are so grateful that your subcommittees are meeting this morning to assess the complex, diffuse, and dynamic impact of terrorism on the American Jewish community and the lessons we can share to help protect other at-risk communities, and that you are cognizant of the crucial importance of strong and capable federal support to better secure places of worship and the entire at-risk charitable sector from targeted acts of violence."
Fingerhut said that the Jews in America are facing a "crisis moment." He added, "Right now, the Jewish community has an umbrella that is filled with holes. Those seeking to do harm to Jews will target those communities that are under-resourced and underprepared. It is critical that we have the funds to protect all members of the Jewish community, no matter where they live."
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