Focus on security

SECURITY and advocacy for the community is the focus for the first week of JCA’s fundraising campaign, falling under the auspices of the Community Security Group (CSG) and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD).

CSG, with their 24-hour work behind the scenes to keep the community physically safe, is one of the largest recipients of JCA funding in the community.

In 2021, CSG recorded 490 antisemitic incidents across Australia. This is a 38 per cent increase compared to the 356 incidents recorded in 2020. It’s also the highest number of antisemitic incidents ever recorded by CSG across Australia in a calendar year.

Head of security Matt Meyerson said, “CSG plays one of the most important roles in our community. We face significant threats on an ongoing basis and CSG strives to achieve our mission statement, which is to protect Jewish life and also Jewish way of life.

“The vision for CSG is to make sure we keep up with technology. We need to make sure our staff are well equipped to the calibre required and expected by the Jewish community and we can only do this and get to that vision with JCA. JCA form a core part of that synergy in allowing us to achieve our strategic goals.”

While CSG is on the frontline ensuring our physical security, many may be unaware of the ongoing work of the JBD.

The state roof body is the community’s link to government and all communities across New South Wales, ensuring that the contribution made by the community is not only understood, but also appreciated.

CEO Darren Bark said that JCA support is crucial to the work of the JBD.

“We need the support of JCA in order to make sure that we can deliver to the community,” Bark said. “My hope for the future is that we come together, support each other and support our organisations so that we can have a vibrant, thriving community going forward. Only with your support and the support of JCA is this possible.”

Donate: jca.org.au