Introduction to Judaism: For Law Enforcement Officers and Security Professionals
Faith-based institutions and organizations are a fundamental component of many communities, supporting vital needs from the spiritual and psychological to the physical. In many locations, the faith-based community not only operates houses of worship, but also civic and community institutions including day schools, community centers, senior homes, and camps. Protecting these institutions ensures that not only our faith-based community, but our larger society can exist in peace and safety. This requires coordination, cooperation, and trust between the faith-based community and the public sector, particularly law enforcement and security professionals.
The Jewish community, specifically, has recognized the value of these relationships – at times, due to
necessity. The Jewish community remains the number one target of religiously motivated hate crimes in the United States and has seen near historic increases in antisemitic incidents over the last several years. This has included vandalization of physical spaces, cyberattacks, physical assaults on members of the
community, and deadly acts of targeted violence. In many of these instances, the Jewish community has
relied on and been comforted by the strong response and support of the law enforcement and security
community. Building, nurturing, and maintaining these relationships is critical given the threats faced.
It is our hope that this guide not only provides useful information but, as the law enforcement and security community use it, you will see the benefits of working in partnership with the faith-based community, identifying similar goals and objectives. Through this, we hope to enhance understanding and strengthen our relationship, creating a safer, more secure environment so that everyone may live, work, play, and pray in safety.