WISCONSIN JEWISH SECURITY NETWORK
Dedicated to keeping Jewish communities secure, the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network (WJSN) delivers training, partnerships, intelligence, and expert security personnel across Wisconsin.
About WJSN
Keeping Jewish Wisconsin Safe
A service that grew out of the decades of experience of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s security department, the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network has a multi-pronged approach to addressing the security needs in Jewish Wisconsin.
This highly specialized security agency operates on six core pillars of safety and security that come together to create proven, trusted, comprehensive, customized security programs for every site we serve.
Prepared Today. Safer Tomorrow.
How We Protect
Education
Making our people and institutions ready for incidents as they arise through trainings and other resources.
Partnerships
Our partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies help ensure stronger, safer partnerships with the Jewish agencies we’re charged with protecting.
Target Hardening
Make our people and institutions safer and more secure and less susceptible to natural, technological, and human threats.
Intelligence
Part of an international network of security intelligence to ensure the highest level of security and reduce the possibility of security issues.
Communication
Providing the necessary mechanisms for sharing information, maintaining situational awareness, and coordinating a timely response to security incidents.
People Power
Recruitment and retention of the highest quality security personnel available.
Security Resources
Expanded tools and data that strengthen community safety through grant support, funding guidance, and ongoing monitoring of antisemitic activity statewide.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) helps Jewish organizations across Wisconsin apply for federal funding to enhance security at their facilities and events. Since 2018, 46 institutions have received a total of $8,359,017, supplementing their existing philanthropic support.
Synagogue Security Guard Grant
The Synagogue Security Guard Grant (SSGG) program was launched in 2019 to provide financial assistance to synagogues for enhancing security during the High Holidays, Shabbat, religious school, and special events.
2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents
The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation conducts an annual audit of antisemitic incidents across Wisconsin. Our annual audit includes events that occur in Wisconsin, are committed by individuals residing in Wisconsin, or are directed towards Wisconsin residents or institutions. All incidents have been corroborated.
as one
ensuring community safety
As One, we protect what matters most. By prioritizing safety, preparedness, and resilience, we work together to safeguard Jewish institutions and communal spaces, ensuring our community can gather, learn, and celebrate Jewish life with confidence and peace of mind.
Connect
Ari Friedman is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network (WJSN), leading security strategy and operations for more than 60 Jewish organizations statewide, including schools, synagogues, and community centers. With 18 years of experience in community safety, crisis management, and infrastructure protection, he strengthens preparedness and resilience through close partnerships with law enforcement, government, and community leadership.
Previously, Ari served as Security Director for the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games, coordinating security for 1,000 international athletes across 17 venues. He holds certifications in Advanced Critical Infrastructure Protection, Critical Asset Risk Management, Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, Fusion Liaison Officer, Executive Protection, FEMA emergency management, and First Responder CPR/First Aid. Through WJSN, Ari is committed to sustaining a strong culture of safety and preparedness statewide.
Wisconsin Jewish Security Network is licensed in the State of Wisconsin as Wisconsin Jewish Community Security Initiative, LLC (WJCSI), 20080-62.
WJSN and WJCSI are supported by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.