JEA CEO on security, antisemitism following Temple Israel attack

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The CEO of the Jewish Educational Alliance said Thursday’s attack on Temple Israel in Michigan was horrific, and that safety at the JEA’s facility remains a constant priority.

Sam Friedman said hundreds of people pass through the JEA each day, and that the organization maintains a dedicated security team to protect everyone on its campus.

“We have a security team whose whole obligation is to make sure that if you’re going to be on our campus and in our facility, that we protect you and we take care of you,” Friedman said.

FBI data shows antisemitic hate crimes have spiked in recent years. Friedman said the rise in violence against the Jewish community is something he thinks about constantly.

“One need only turn on the news and you can see that there is an increase in antisemitism,” Friedman said. “It has become second nature that everywhere I go I look for exits, and I try to sit by exits.”

Last month, the JEA went into lockdown after a member spotted a suspicious package on the grounds. The package was later determined not to be a threat. Friedman said every incident at the center is taken seriously, and that the response from local law enforcement, elected officials, and the broader community was meaningful.

“Mayor Johnson called the front desk, I heard from Senator Ossoff’s office and Representative Carter’s office, and in a place like Savannah where you can build these relationships it allows you to feel like there’s people watching and people helping, and I don’t take that for granted,” Friedman said.

The JEA offers regular situational awareness trainings where participants learn how to spot suspicious behavior and how to respond. Friedman said the best thing people can do during the rise in antisemitism is be prepared.

“The best response the community can have is to be vigilant and proactive in response to the hatred,” Friedman said.

The JEA welcomes members of all faiths. Friedman said bringing Jewish and non-Jewish Savannahians together in a shared community space helps ease fear and uncertainty.

“It’s easy to be scared because of the antisemitism out there, but there is so much love and support in here that it is always reassuring to me,” Friedman said.

The JEA will host its next situational awareness training on March 18. The training will be held at the JEA facility on Abercorn street at 5:30 p.m.