Approximately 50 Law Enforcement professionals from throughout the region took part in a special Jewish Community Relations Committee/ JCFR breakfast on Oct. 21 to discuss issues facing the Jewish community.

Law enforcement attendees included leadership as well as other representatives from the area agencies. Following remarks and presentations by JCRC Chair Maya Eckstein, JCRC Legislative Subcommittee Chair Lizzie Drucker, and JCRC Director Sam Richardson, they took part in six small table discussions. These were led by JCRC committee leadership or JCRC committee members as hosts/captains with Jewish Community leaders sharing in the discussions. See photos of several table discussions.

 

The goal of the program was to facilitate a human touch between our community and those who protect us on a regular basis, but with whom we most rarely interact personally.

Each host had a series of prepared special topics:  Jewish community members sharing their personal experience with antisemitism; Jewish community members sharing their personal experience with law enforcement; Law enforcement questions for the Jewish Community members and Law enforcement recommendations for Jewish Community members.

While discussions centered around the topics, there were other issues shared at the tables including, How the Jewish Community has Changed Since Oct. 7.

Overall, the intent of the program was to build a foundation of trust and understanding with the law enforcement attendees and provide time for personal stories at all the tables.

In a survey sent to the attendees seeking their comments on the program, the responses received were mostly positive. Here are a few. “Table discussions were enthusiastic, which was great…” “Additional ice breaker or getting to know you at the start ..”  “Thank you for coordinating, it was very nice to have the group in one room… ”  No improvements.” “I really liked the antisemitism presentation. It was such a clean video that explained a lot, without politics. Particularly the history and importance of Israel (but done in a very matter-of-fact way…” “The table discussion about how Jews are perceived really touched me …” “It’s a touchy subject, but I am really concerned about your community’s safety …” "Maybe a little more time for discussions ..." "Have more officers and Rabbis present." "More training for table leaders ..." More time for deeper discussions .."