Jewish security cannot be treated as an afterthought. It requires sustained partnership, serious policy, and continued advocacy.

That message was front and center in Washington, D.C., where Federation leaders from across the country gathered for the Securing Our Communities Advocacy Fly-In to advocate for stronger protections and the resources needed to help Jewish communities gather, learn, worship, and live safely.

Representing Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County was Brandey Edelson, Vice President of Public Affairs, who joined fellow Federation professionals, policy experts, security leaders, and community advocates for critical conversations surrounding the evolving threat landscape facing Jewish communities and the growing need for coordinated federal action.

The fly-in reinforced a reality many communities know all too well: security has become an essential responsibility of Jewish communal life. From physical infrastructure and emergency preparedness to security personnel and training, protecting Jewish institutions requires significant investment and sustained federal partnership.

Throughout the advocacy meetings, participants elevated the real, on-the-ground experiences of their communities, helping ensure Members of Congress understood both the scope of the challenges facing Jewish institutions and the urgency of action.

Central to those conversations was continued advocacy surrounding the Jewish American Security Act and broader efforts to secure the resources necessary to strengthen communal safety nationwide.

The delegation also expressed appreciation to elected leaders who made time for these important conversations, including Rep. Jared Moskowitz, Rep. Lois Frankel, Sen. Ashley Moody, and Sen. Rick Scott. Their engagement reflects the importance of continued partnership and dialogue around the safety and security of Jewish communities.

But advocacy does not end when meetings conclude.

Continued engagement, public awareness, and sustained outreach remain essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring these issues remain a national priority.

One message remained clear throughout the fly-in: Jewish communities should not stand alone in carrying the responsibility of their own safety.

When Jewish security is on the line, advocacy matters. And the work continues.

Beyond the Brief: Understanding the Rising Threat

The advocacy work taking place in Washington is rooted in a reality Jewish communities continue to face every day.

Over the past year, antisemitism has continued to rise nationwide, reinforcing why security, education, and public advocacy remain essential priorities for Jewish communities and policymakers alike.

The Jewish Federations of North America created this video to help illustrate the scope of the challenge and the urgency behind these efforts.

Watch: