The Jewish Federation is committed to building a strong, joyful, and meaningful Jewish life — and we know that safety is essential for Jewish life to thrive in Kansas City.
In response to the recent attacks on Jewish communal events in Washington, D.C., and Boulder, Colorado, and the growing incitement against Jews nationwide, Federation Board Chair Sondra Friedman and I joined leaders from 100 Jewish communities in Washington, D.C. last week, to make an urgent case to Congress and the Administration for increased security.
We advocated for:
- Increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
- Support to offset rising private security costs
- Enhanced local law enforcement resources
- Greater federal capacity to combat domestic terror
- Stronger laws and enforcement against online incitement
- Full prosecution of hate crimes
Kansas City was front and center. Because of our tragic loss of Sarah Milgrim and past attacks on our institutions, I was invited to open the conference by interviewing Bob and Nancy Milgrim from their home in Prairie Village. When I asked Bob what message he wanted leaders to carry to Capitol Hill, he said: “Had there been more security at the event where Sarah and Yaron were killed, she would still be alive today.”
Sondra and I were also invited by William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, to join a small group of leaders for a meeting with Jacob Reses, chief of staff to Vice President Vance. From the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, I shared what we’re doing in Kansas City to keep our community safe — and emphasized the urgent need for greater federal support. From our Jewish Community Campus to synagogues, schools, summer camps, and public events, rising antisemitism is forcing us to take extraordinary measures to protect Jewish life.
I am incredibly proud of the security infrastructure we’ve built in Kansas City — the partnerships with law enforcement, the strength of our community, and the tireless efforts of our security team. But there is still much more to do.
The safety and security of our community will always be our top priority. We remain committed to strengthening these efforts every single day.
