UPDATES 

JUNE 2023

Jewish Federation of Ocean County Partners with Secure Community Network to Launch New Online Form to Report Threats, Incidents, and Suspicious Activity

Incident Reporting Form Will Help Ensure Timely and Accurate Response to Protect Jewish Community

The Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) announced today that it has partnered with more than 30 other Jewish Federations and the Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, to launch a new, standardized online form for the public to report threats, incidents, and suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members. The form is available on the Federation’s website at jewishoceancounty.org/IncidentReporting.

“Many in our community are concerned about rising antisemitism and hateful incidents. This new online reporting form is one of the ways we can protect the Jewish community,” said Federation Managing Director, Keith Krivitzky. “Together with the Secure Community Network, we urge everyone to report anything suspicious or concerning so the appropriate action can be taken.”

Information reported through the form is sent immediately to the Federation’s security professionals and the 24-hour Duty Desk in SCN’s National Jewish Security Operations Command Center, where a team of intelligence analysts uses intelligence and information-sharing best practices to determine what people or facilities may be at risk, as well as what next steps to take. Credible threats are referred to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and Jewish facility leaders as needed.

“This is the first nationally standardized incident reporting effort that ties together local Federation security initiatives and SCN as a national partner, ensuring that wherever someone is, there can be timely, consistent, and accurate reporting of threats, incidents, and suspicious activity,” said SCN National Director and CEO Michael Masters. “This is critical to keeping the Jewish community safe. In a world where threats travel at the speed of social media, this effort enhances our ability to identify trends and incidents across communities and work with security professionals and law enforcement to address them. Through a coordinated, best practice approach to information sharing, this initiative will help us more effectively and efficiently address threats and issues before they turn to action.”

The new form can be used to report in-person assaults or threats; suspicious persons or activity; property damage or vandalism; threatening or suspicious phone calls, text messages, or social media; suspicious packages or letters; spam and phishing emails; antisemitic or threatening flyers; or other similar incidents of concern to the Jewish community. Reports may be made anonymously.

The effort will also allow SCN to better aggregate and collect information, providing more comprehensive and reliable data to partners in the Jewish community and in law enforcement. This is especially important given the announcement that 1 in 3 law enforcement agencies in the United States – representing up to half of the Jewish community – did not report hate crimes data to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 2021.

The system was developed after careful analysis of the threat environment and a recognized need to ensure consistent, best practice incident reporting across the community, in line with national standards. The form was developed with input from key information-sharing, law enforcement, and public safety partners, as well as those in the nonprofit, academic, and private sectors. The form is designed to be compliant with federal reporting guidelines and constitutional requirements.

In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 first. If online reporting is not practical, follow established protocols to report suspicious activity – to include contacting local law enforcement and/or the relevant suspicious activity reporting authority – and contact the SCN Duty Desk at dutydesk@securecommunitynetwork.org or by calling 844-SCN-DESK.

Jewish Federation of Ocean County Joins JFed Security, LLC Initiative

Security Program to Support NJ & DE Federations

The Jewish Federation of Ocean County announced it has partnered with the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFSNJ) to provide expanded security coverage and resources to its local partners in Ocean County. Through JFSNJ’s establishment of JFed Security, LLC, this community security initiative is designed to ensure the safety of affiliated organizations in Ocean County, as well as additional counties in the state of New Jersey and the entire state of Delaware.

As a participating community, Federation partners receive:

  • Training
  • Emergency operations planning (EOP)
  • Completion of Threat and Vulnerability Risk Assessments (TVRA)
  • The ability to assign guards from the security force at local synagogues and agencies
  • Access to all intelligence bulletins and products distributed by the intel analyst assigned to the security force.

New Jersey currently has four Jewish Federations that have established community security programs. Regionalization will partner Federations in North, Central and Southern New Jersey with the one Federation in Delaware creating a contiguous network of partnered Federations under the direction of one community security program. This regionalized approach offers both economies of scale and expertise.

“JFed Security, LLC was created and chartered with the purpose of providing and enhancing a community-wide security initiative to ensure that Jews can live and practice their religion safely, especially given the unfortunate rise in antisemitic incidents,” said William “Bud” Monaghan, Executive Director, JFed Security, LLC and former Cherry Hill Police Department’s Chief of Police.

“Many in our community are concerned about security, and the Jewish Federation is pleased that we can help address the needs of our community and partners by sponsoring this initiative in Ocean County,” said Keith Krivitzky, Managing Director of the Jewish Federation.

Synagogues of all denominations in South Jersey are utilizing services of JFed Security, LLC and share similar positive sentiments:

Rabbi Stephen Gold of Beth Am Shalom in Lakewood shared, “As a rabbi and citizen who is increasingly alarmed by the ever-increasing gun violence coupled with the rise in hate crimes directed toward our people, I welcome and am grateful for this initiative. May we work for a time when, as a nation, we come to our senses regarding guns in our society so that 'we can sit under our grapevine or fig tree / With no one to make us afraid.' (Micah 4:4).”

JFed Security, LLC was made possible through a grant from LiveSecure, a national effort of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) to expand security preparedness and coverage through Jewish Federations across the country. $130 million was raised in 2021, to be awarded over 3 years, with the goal of securing every Jewish community across North America and to save lives. It is the largest initiative in history to secure Jewish communities across North America. The Jewish Federation of Southern NJ received a significant grant to build out this program in NJ and Delaware, and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County is pleased to partner with them.

Passover 2023

Each year before Passover (and then again before the High Holidays) we give grants to our partners fighting food insecurity. We are so impressed with the work they are doing and proud to be able to help them in their efforts.

The Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry - located in Whiting lets those in need go up and down aisles in the pantry for the items they can use. And for those that want to help, The Barn is now open!

One Ocean County - runs a program called "Pass It Over for Passover" donating chametz to those in need.

Fulfill - the foodbank stocks pantries with extra kosher chickens for the holiday and they just made a permanent commitment to the "Pop the Trunk" food distribution every Friday in Toms River.

Leket Israel's national foodbank - they've said our grant will provide over 5000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) - Our friends are hard at work around the world, and in times of disaster or crisis food insecurity is an ongoing problem. We've also sent them donations for earthquake releif in Turkey.

Your support makes this possible.

Donor Support Keeps a Young Family Afloat

In their native Buenos Aires, Victoria and Juan always worked hard to support themselves and their two sons. Victoria took extra shifts providing homecare to senior citizens, and Juan worked long hours as a cab driver. But when COVID struck, both lost their jobs. With no household income, they had to dig into their savings to survive; it was not long before their nest egg evaporated.

Your gift enabled to JDC to deliver emergency support to Victoria and Juan. Knowing that there was food on their table for their children lifted some worry of the shoulders of the parents, while they looked for work. Happily, Victoria’s husband has found a new job, and the family’s situation has begun to stabilize. While they have not yet fully recovered, Victoria and Juan are feeling more hopeful about the future.

Jewish Federation of Ocean County provides grants to combat hunger

Prior to the high holidays Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has given five organizations grants to combat food insecurity.  JFOC gives food insecurity grants out twice during the course of the year; the first round of grants were given in April prior to the Passover holiday.

 

Locally, three grants were given to Fulfill the foodbank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Lakewood Community Services Corp. (LCSC), and Inspire NJ which runs the Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry in Manchester. 

 

Overseas grants were given to Leket Israel's national food bank and The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), who are both dealing with increased needs of refugees from the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.  Leket Israel is helping the many refugees that have already arrived in Israel.  JDC is aiding tens of thousands both in Ukraine and its surrounding countries.      

 

Annabel Lindenbaum, Board Chair for JFOC explained that, "Federation gives these grants at this time of year in recognition of the high holy days; we hope the shofar blast awaken us to create a just world where none are hungry and all are inscribed for a lifetime of peace and fulfillment.”

 

JFOC continues to raise funds to aid both food insecurity and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine; more information can be found at www.jewishoceancounty.org

Jewish Federation of Ocean County provides grants to combat hunger

Prior to the holiday of Passover Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has given four organizations grants to combat food insecurity.  A fifth grant will be given out at the conclusion of a matching funds campaign.  JFOC gives food insecurity grants out twice during the course of the year; the second round of grants are in the fall before the High Holidays.

 

Locally, two grants were given to Fulfill the foodbank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties and Lakewood Community Services Corp. (LCSC).  LCSC will use the grant to deliver meals-on-wheels to clients in Toms River and Manchester.  According to Robin Gardiner, NET Manager at Fulfill, their grant will be used to stock kosher for Passover chickens, fresh produce, and eggs. 

 

Overseas grants were given to Leket Israel's national food bank and The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), who are both dealing with increased needs of refugees from the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.  Leket Israel is helping the many refugees that have already arrived in Israel.  JDC is aiding tens of thousands both in Ukraine and its surrounding countries.      

 

Annabel Lindenbaum, Board Chair for JFOC explained that, "Federation gives these grants at this time of year in recognition of the Passover seder that begins, 'all who are hungry should come and eat'. We are happy to be able to continue to support the work of our partners both locally and globally."

 

JFOC continues to raise funds to aid both food insecurity and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

FOOD INSECURITY GRANTS GIVEN OUT BEFORE HIGH HOLIDAYS

Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has announced grants for five organizations that combat food insecurity.  JFOC has made food insecurity one of its funding priorities throughout the pandemic.  This is the second round of grants this year to these organizations and was timed to be dispersed prior to the Jewish high holidays.

JFOC Board Chair, Annabel Lindenbaum, explained, “One of the Torah passages read during the Yom Kippur says, ‘when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of the field, neither shall yougather the gleanings of your harvest . . . you shall leave them for the poor and stranger.’ So we are proud to be able to do this mitzvah, or good deed, for our community.”

Locally, grants were given to Fulfill, the foodbank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties and The Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry, which will be opening store where clients can choose their food. The pantry plans to open this October – and the Jewish Federation was proud to provide them with a new freezer chest, one of the last pieces of equipment needed before opening.     

Overseas grants were given to The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), who help some of the most vulnerable Jews around the world; Yad Ezra V’Shulamit, who plan to help 50,000 families over the holidays, and Leket, Israel’s national food bank.

The Corona Virus has increased food insecurity worldwide. Leket currently serves over 246,000 people in need each week.  Carol Marcus from American Friends of Leket Isreal said, “thanks so much to the Federation board and the Jewish community of Ocean County for this generous grant.  These funds will enable hundreds of Israelis to receive fresh food for the holiday.”

Jewish Federation of Ocean County Provides Grants to Combat Food Insecurity

March, 2021

 

Jewish Federation of Ocean County (JFOC) has announced grants for five organizations that combat food insecurity. JFOC has made food insecurity one of its funding priorities throughout the pandemic. This round of grants was timed to be dispersed prior to the holiday of Passover.

 

Locally, two grants were given to Fulfill the foodbank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties and The Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry, which will be a store where clients can choose their food and part of Inspire-NJ’s new project in Manchester. The funding to Fulfill will helped support an increase in Passover needs providing proteins, produce, and eggs delivered in March before Pesach. Providing these funds specifically for Passover also enables Fulfill to expend their other unrestricted funds to provide food to the broader community as well.

 

Overseas grants were given to The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), who help some of the poorest Jews around the world; Leket, Israel’s national food bank; and Yad Ezra. Yad Ezra planned a delivery of 50,000 pandemic food baskets during Passover. The Corona Virus has increased food insecurity worldwide. Leket currently serves over 246,000 people in need each week.

 

Annabel Lindenbaum, Board Chair of JFOC, commented, “In a year fraught with overwhelming upheaval for so many, I am thrilled that, we as a Federation, are choosing to be part of the assistance to help families to combat food insecurity. As Jews, "welcoming the stranger in our midst" is such an integral part of our tradition. When we begin our Seder with "all who are hungry should come and eat, we will know that the Ocean County Jewish Federation is not a silent bystander.”

 

JFOC plans to continue with another round of grants to combat food insecurity in the fall.

Thank you to OceanFirst Foundation, Grunin Foundation, and Townsquare Media for the recognition!

JFOC-JFCS Provides Vaccines for Holocaust Survivors

February, 2021

 

After enduring the horrors of the shoah 75 years ago, local Holocaust Survivors are facing another battle for their lives with the pandemic.  Getting the much desired COVID19 vaccine, also proved to be a battle.  Survivors known to Jewish Family & Children's Service were contacted to ascertain their interest in getting an appointment in Lakewood for the vaccine made possible through the compassion of Chemed and Ocean Healrh Initiatives.  Many of the Survivors were thrilled to learn that they and their spouses could get their first dose on February 24th. On behalf of the Survivors, their spouses and children, the staffs of Jewish Family and Children's Service, and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, we wish to express our deep appreciation for the courtesy extended to the Holocaust Survivors by Chemed and Ocean Health Initiatives. 

Jewish Federation Response to CoronaVirus

April, 2020

 

In light of the challenges facing our community in Ocean County and the Jewish Community around the world, the Jewish Federation is pleased to share the following steps taken to help those in need and on the “front lines” at this time.

 

Jewish Family & Children’s Services has adjusted so that counseling and support groups are now taking place virtually. “JFCS is the centerpiece of how the Jewish Federation provides help and support to those in need in our community,” said Shelly Newman, Co-Chair of the Board of the Jewish Federation.

 

Those who are current clients, as well as those who are dealing with anxiety or relationship challenges during this time of self-isolation and too-close-quarters, can schedule appointments via video-chat or phone. Caregiver and bereavement support groups are also meeting via ZOOM. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact JFCS@ocjf.org or call 732-363-8010.

 

The Jewish Federation is also working diligently to ensure that our community remains connected and with productive ways to explore Jewish culture, education, and perspective at this time. Regular anti-Corona updates with links to myriad online opportunities are sent weekly, and the Jewish Journal is being published on schedule for a more tactile means of communication. To subscribe to either, you can email federation@ocjf.org.

 

Another key element of the Jewish Federation’s mission is philanthropy, and at its most recent meeting on March 31, the Board of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County approved 3 grants to help organizations dealing with the most vulnerable in our community, especially during the present situation.

 

$2,500 was awarded to Fulfill, the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, to help support those members of the Jewish and general communities that are seeking help with food resources. Those who need food assistance at this time should contact a local foodbank: www.fulfillnj.org

 

Said Carol Friedman, Co-Chair of the Board, “During crises, people tend to limit their scope and only think about what is going on in their backyard. Yet, the Coronavirus does not discriminate, and elderly and vulnerable populations are especially hard hit around the world. The Jewish community embodies the maxim that each Jew is responsible for one another.”

 

As a result, the Jewish Federation is making two additional $2,500 grants to two of the premier social service organizations in the Jewish world, who help poor and vulnerable Jews in Israel and elsewhere internationally, the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.

 

Lastly, as a show of support, the Jewish Federation sponsored pizza deliveries to the 4 community hospitals in Ocean County before Passover. Shelly Newman added, “On behalf of the entire Jewish community, we are so appreciative for all that our nurses, doctors, and health care workers are doing to keep us safe.” Local area synagogues continued this program by adopting hospitals for more “thank you” efforts after the holiday.

 

Through philanthropy, encouraging meaningful connections, and convening our community, the Jewish Federation committed to addressing critical needs and caring for the most vulnerable in our midst. We thank those members of the Jewish community who have helped make this possible. For more information, visit www.jewishoceancounty.org

PSAs

KEEP CALM AND STAY CONNECTED

 

Jewish Family and Childrens’ Services of Ocean County has been going virtual to best respond to needs during this time of Corona Virus. Those suffering from anxiety or in need of counseling can take advantage of video or phone sessions with a licensed social worker.

 

“Anxiety and other mental health issues can become magnified during this crisis, especially as people stay indoors in very close quarters – or alone,” said Rita Sason, Director of Jewish Family & Childrens’ Services. Rita offers these tips to stay calm and collected during stressful times:

 

- Don’t isolate yourself. In these days of self-distancing and staying at home, it is easy to feel alone and isolated. Because older adults can be more vulnerable to COVID-19, even close family are keeping their distance – out of the best of intentions.

 

o Remember there are people who care about you – just from afar.

 

o The phone (and facetime) work two-ways. Reach out first to family and friends. Go through your phone book and call friends and family you may not have been in touch with recently. Odds are, they will be thrilled to hear from you!

 

o Pick a book (such as from PJ Library) and read together with a grandchild…or a great-grandchild.

 

- Similarly: If you know someone stuck at home, reach out. Call. Send a text, an email, or try facetiming. Or go “old school” and send an actual card. You don’t know how much this will be appreciated. Children, grandchildren – Call your parents and grandparents. Repeat often.

 

- Stick to a schedule. If your calendar of events has been cancelled, make sure to create new opportunities each day – including getting up at a set time and getting dressed, and scheduling specific appointments throughout the day. Set times to speak with friends and family by phone or facetime to talk. Schedule – and stick to – a set time to go for a walk in your neighborhood. Enjoy the sunlight – just be sure to stay 6 feet away from others when doing so!

 

Focus on things that make you happy. This could be wearing clothes or jewelry that have positive associations, getting to those projects you’ve been putting off for a while (reading that book you bought, or doing a puzzle you set aside), or catching up with some good programs or series that caught your eye.

 

- STOP WATCHING THE NEWS. Seriously. If you wish to stay informed, set aside one or two times to watch or listen to the news in a specific time slot. But don’t watch or listen to the news all day, whether CNN, CNBC, or FOX. You are not going to miss anything, and you can catch up later. This, more than most other things, can lower your stress level.

 

The good news is that, today, there are many tools and technology innovations that can help everybody to stay connected to others and find ways to grow and have fun personally. If you haven’t done facetime or ZOOM before, or you haven’t set up your smart TV…now is the time to do so. And, if you don’t know where to start – that’s another great opportunity to connect with a grandchild that can help (over the phone, of course).

 

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react." Charles R Swindoll

 

“Don’t separate yourself from the community.” Hillel

 

Should you or others be dealing with chronic anxiety or other issues, there are resources to help. Contact Rita at JFCS@ocjf.org or 732-363-8101 to set up a virtual or remote consultation or counseling session.

Technology Primer: Not sure how to access all this stuff? Here is a quick listing of what you need to know and what you can/should get set up. If you need help, email us at federation@ocjf.org and we will have a volunteer reach out!

- In terms of equipment, to access these online offerings, you need a tablet, a computer with speakers (and ideally camera and microphone), or a smart phone. If you don’t happen to have any of these, you can buy a very cheap tablet to give you access to all these fun things.

- If you are using a laptop, tablet, or smart phone, you want a wireless network set up in your home. If you don’t already have that and have cable…you can ask your cable company how to do this. Bottom line – you want high speed access to the internet.

- When you have this set up, you can make video calls with friends and family. It’s easy! Your 3 best options are: Facebook, Skype, and Zoom.

- On facebook, you need to set up an account – which an be a lot of fun. And then you can make “facetime” calls with other friends and family on facebook.

Another option, which many groups are using to broadcast concerts and classes, is Zoom. Usually, there is a link in the invitation which you can just click on to gain access. But here is a tutorial to better help you set this up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ik5o6WptX0

COVID-19 SCAM ALERT

 

Be aware that there are several scams that have emerged in response to COVID-19, including people going door-to-door saying they represent the CDC. The New Jersey Department of Health did not say what the alleged CDC imposters were soliciting from residents, be it donations or personal information.

 

The Federal Trade Commission has warned of scammers trying to take advantage of the crisis through email and donation scams.

 

The Secret Service this week warned of “phishing,” a widely-used scam where an email appears to be from a reputable company, with the goal of getting victims to hand over sensitive information like usernames and passwords.

 

In one case, victims received an email from a fake medical organization with attachments purporting to have important information about COVID-19. Another scam dupes victims into making donations to fake charitable causes.

 

BE AWARE. DON’T GIVE OUR YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO ANYONE YOU DON’T TRUST!