Chicago's Jewish Community Safety Update

Stay in touch with our community's safety concerns and latest updates-

MAGEN Chicago Partners with Chaverim for Hachnassat Sefer Torah

On Lag B'omer, MAGEN Chicago had the privilege of teaming up with

the Chaverim organization for a special Hachnassat Sefer Torah celebration for the Whitehouse family at Khal Chesed L'Avrohom-Zidichov. This marked the first time our community safety and security team collaborated with the Chaverim volunteer services group for a joint event, a true example of achdus between the two organizations.

The Chaverim volunteers provided vital help with traffic control and community assistance during the outdoor Hachnassat Sefer Torah. Meanwhile, the MAGEN Chicago team focused on ensuring the overall safety and security of the event. Working alongside the dedicated Chaverim members, we were able to "Protect Our Community From Within" and allow for a safe and meaningful Torah celebration.

MAGEN Chicago was impressed by the teamwork and coordination displayed by the Chaverim group. It was a pleasure partnering with this professional community organization committed to aiding the Jewish community. We look forward to joining forces with them again at future events to continue providing a secure environment for all.

Through joint efforts like this partnership, we can combine our resources and volunteer power to serve our community's needs best. MAGEN Chicago thanks Chaverim for their support and collaboration. Together, we make our community stronger and safer.

Rain or Shine, MAGEN's Got Your Back!

Despite the gloomy skies and torrential downpours, the selfless volunteers of MAGEN Chicago were out in full force at the Great Chicago Jewish Family Festival! These incredible volunteers braved the elements, keeping a watchful eye on the crowd and helping with traffic control.

But that's not all! Even as the rain poured down, MAGEN's cheerful booth was a beacon of warmth and kindness. They handed out over 350 bags of delicious popcorn, ensuring no festivalgoer went home unsatisfied.

Through wind and rain, these dedicated volunteers exemplified the true spirit of community service. Their commitment to keeping everyone safe and happy was truly inspiring. Our MAGEN 1 Patrol car was at the end of the parade, keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings.

So, let's give a huge round of applause (and maybe an umbrella or two!) to the amazing MAGEN Chicago team! Your selflessness and hard work did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the selfless volunteers we all need, come rain or shine! 

Women Krav Maga Classes Update:

Weapon of Opportunity: Using Everyday Objects for Self-Defense

Our Krav Maga Women's Self-Defense class on Sunday, May 12, 2024, concentrated on using commonplace objects as weapons of opportunity. This special Mother's Day class taught us how to transform our platforms, heels, purses, keys, water bottles, chairs, and pens into powerful self-defense tools.

The primary focus was on being aware of our surroundings at all times, adjusting our plans accordingly, and not hesitating to change routes if necessary. The class taught women how to utilize what's readily available on their person to overpower an attacker in a confrontational situation.

Knowing, feeling empowered, and having the confidence to react during an attack can mean the difference between life and death. The goal is to stop the person in their tracks, allowing you to escape swiftly—even in heels. 

Our women's self-defense classes are open to women of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. We believe every woman deserves to feel empowered, confident, and knowledgeable in her abilities to defend herself effectively.

FREE tri-monthly women's classes: Register at: magenchicago.org/events 

MAGEN Chicago's Shul Safety Officer (SSO) Training Registration is Open for the 3rd Class 2024!

We are thrilled to announce that MAGEN Chicago's renowned Shul Safety Officer and Greeter (SSO/SSG) training program is gearing up for its 3rd class of 2024, and spots are filling up quickly! By the end of this summer, we will have nearly 60 certified SSOs and SSGs serving close to 40 different Shuls across the Chicagoland area.

This comprehensive training program is designed to equip dedicated community members with lifesaving skills, enabling them to serve as capable first responders within their respective shuls and minyans. The curriculum is informative and engaging, covering a wide range of topics such as medical training, greeter/screener duties, advanced defensive training, advanced tactics, and practical Krav Maga self-defense.

While the training is undoubtedly enriching and enjoyable, it does require a time commitment from participants. Before being accepted into the program, candidates must receive approval from their shul's security head and undergo a thorough vetting process. This includes certificate and insurance requirements, psychological testing, signing a no-alcohol and drug contract, and submitting to a drug test at a Department of Transportation (DOT) lab.

At MAGEN Chicago, we hold our SSOs and SSGs to the highest standards, ensuring that the individuals responsible for shul safety are among the best the community has to offer. A certified independent professional background screening agency oversees the vetting process, and the state's top instructors oversee the training and certification process.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance the safety and security of your Shul community. To learn more about the SSO/SSG training program and how to apply, please visit magenchicago.org.

REPORT ALL HATE CRIMES AND INCIDENTS!



What is not measured can not change-

It is now easier to report hate in Chicago due to Alderman Silverstein's CHI vs. Hate legislation, which passed through the City Council last year. Hate crimes, like any emergency situation, should be reported to the police at 911. Non-criminal hate incidents, though, can now be reported for the first time to 311 or online at 311.chicago.gov By utilizing the 311 system, victims can report hate incidents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in whatever language they speak. They can request follow-up from law enforcement or from the civilian Commission on Human Relations.

Reporting hate allows the city to better understand where incidents are occurring and what resources are needed to keep our community safe. Learn more about reporting hate at the upcoming CHI vs Hate webinar on Tuesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. Hear from Alderman Silverstein, Human Relations Commissioner Nancy Andrade, and the leadership of the Chicago Police Civil Rights Unit. Register at https://50thward.org/CHIvsHate

Rapid Response Team In Action



Last month, one of our MAGEN Chicago Shul Safety officers was traveling the neighborhood when he noticed four suspicious individuals wearing hoodies and masks walking down the block. After immediately calling 911, MAGEN Chicago's emergency dispatch was notified, and three of our units were called to assist. Multiple police cars also responded to search the area for these individuals.

Although we could not locate them initially, a subsequent 911 caller reported seeing what appeared to be the same 4 individuals, with one carrying a weapon, entering a gray vehicle, and leaving the scene.

This is a reminder that our MAGEN Chicago volunteers are always vigilant, keeping a watchful eye out for anything out of the ordinary. We are committed to helping protect our community from within.



If you ever notice any suspicious activity, call 911 immediately, then contact MAGEN Chicago at 1-844-MAGEN-CHI so we can follow up and provide additional support. Together, we can all maintain a safe environment for all.

Summer Safety for Our Kids

With the disturbing rise in violence affecting even our youngest community members, MAGEN Chicago is taking action. We're offering FREE self-defense summer classes for girls ages 8–14, taught by expert Krav Maga instructor Leslie Lefranc.

These weekly classes will empower our youth with crucial skills in:

*Self-Defense

*Situational Awareness

*Fitness

*Self-Confidence

Leslie's innovative teaching approach tailors Krav Maga specifically for kids' situations at school, on playgrounds, and in public spaces. Our goal is to engage and equip them with practical, real-world tools so they can continue participating in activities they love without fear.



Spaces are limited! Enroll your daughter today to give her the priceless gifts of personal safety and empowerment this summer. Let's unite to create a stronger, safer community for all our children.



Visit magenchicago.org/event to register now!

Calling 911

Community members must remain vigilant and immediately call 911 if they notice anything out of the ordinary or suspicious, no matter how minor it may seem. The police cannot respond to potential threats or incidents if they are not informed about them in the first place. Calling 911 immediately is the best way to ensure law enforcement is aware of the situation and can investigate further.



Documentation of these types of incidents is also extremely important. Each 911 call creates an official record that helps build a better understanding of potential threats or patterns of suspicious activity in a given area. This documentation can be invaluable for law enforcement investigations and efforts to enhance security measures. As MAGEN Chicago advises, "When in Doubt, Call It Out"—do not hesitate to contact the authorities if something seems off or concerning, no matter how small. Prompt reporting from alert community members is essential for keeping Jewish schools, synagogues, and other institutions safe.

Police CAPS Meeting Schedule



The police hold regular CAPS meetings where the public can speak directly with beat officers and address safety concerns in a public forum. Alderman Debra Silverstein reminds you of the importance of attending local meetings and getting to know the officers tasked with keeping us safe. Find the CAPS meeting schedule for 2024 on the 50th Ward website at: 50thward.org/events/category/police-events.



The 50th Ward includes five police beats:

·         Beat 2411 - Between Howard and Pratt

·         Beat 2412 - Between Pratt and Devon

·         Beat 2413 - Between Devon and Peterson

·         Beat 1711 - Peterson Park

·         Beat 2011 - South of Peterson



Find your police beat at https://operations.chicagopolice.org/FindMyDistrict.

SIMCHAS CORNER



Mazal Tov to our new SSO (Shul Safety Officer), Ezra, and Zahava Soleymani, on the birth of their son Yosef.

Mazal Tov to our SSO Moshe and Mimi Kulek on the birth of their daughter Shaina Aviva.

Mazal Tov to our SSO Michael W. on the college graduation of his niece Hannah Maloy. She received a degree in communications from Ithaca College in New York.

May we continue to celebrate many more simchas together!

Call us after calling 911

24/6 EMERGENCY NUMBER



1-844-MAGEN-CHI

624-3624

All the above classes and services are offered to the community for FREE! Please help us financially so we can continue and grow our mission of

"Protecting Our Community From Within."