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Community Safety Services

Shul Security Training
Community Safety & Education
Safety Patrols & Response

"Protecting Our Community From Within" Since 2016

Chicago's Jewish Community Safety Update

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

MAGEN Chicago Ensures Crowd Safety at Turn The Horror Into Hope March

Volunteers from MAGEN Chicago helped provide a watchful eye and ensure safety at the "Turn the Horror Into Hope" march for the hostages in Skokie.

The march went through Skokie's scenic Sculpture Park along McCormick Blvd., running from Oakton to Dempster and back. Despite the challenging course, MAGEN Chicago's patrol car and crowd safety volunteers stationed throughout monitored the situation and helped maintain a safe environment for all participants.

This is just one example of how MAGEN Chicago works to "Protect Our Community From Within" by having trained volunteers on the ground at community events. A huge thanks goes to all the volunteers who donated their time and efforts to keep their neighbors safe today.

MAGEN Chicago remains committed to using its Public Safety resources to support the Jewish community and make a positive impact. The organization welcomes both volunteer and financial support from members of the public to help keep its program running.

MAGEN Chicago Launches Neighborhood Safety Campaign

Staying true to our motto of "Protecting Our Community From Within," MAGEN Chicago is launching a campaign to address safety concerns around children and pedestrians in our neighborhoods.

While tragic pedestrian accidents involving kids, fortunately, don't happen often, even one incident is one too many. We want to be proactive as a community organization dedicated to security and well-being. That's why MAGEN Chicago is distributing lawn signs with the message "Save a Life Today. Drive Safely" to residents.

These signs clearly remind drivers to slow down for kids playing because our children are on these streets. The signs serve as a visual cue to stay alert and vigilant. Residents can request a "Save a Life Today. Drive Safely" sign for their property by clicking the link below. Signs are available while supplies last.

We all must do our part to keep our youngest community members safe. By displaying these signs and driving cautiously, we can help prevent senseless tragedies before they happen. A few extra seconds of patience could save a life.

Get your sign today and join MAGEN Chicago in protecting our children through this important initiative.

Sign Request

MAGEN Chicago Responds to Fatal Shooting on West Devon Avenue

MAGEN Chicago is saddened to report a fatal shooting that occurred on June 8th on the 2900 block of West Devon Avenue.

According to the Chicago Police Department, the shooting appears to have been a targeted incident following an altercation. This was an isolated incident, and there are NO KNOWN THREATS TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

A bystander at the scene of the shooting flagged down one of MAGEN Chicago's volunteers around 9:30 PM while conducting their regular nightly patrol. The volunteer immediately called 911 and then MAGEN Chicago's dispatch center, alerting additional units to respond.

A lead MAGEN coordinator at the scene worked with police to block off traffic in the area and assisted in obtaining surveillance footage from two nearby establishments that aided in the investigation. Eight MAGEN patrol units responded to help in finding the person involved. Units were also dispatched to a nearby school and areas where community members were congregating.

This remains an active investigation by the CPD. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Area 3 Detectives at 312-744-8263. In any emergency, the public should always call 911 immediately. The second call should be to MAGEN Chicago's hotline at 1-844-MAGEN-CHI, allowing MAGEN volunteers to respond and provide additional support as needed.

MAGEN Chicago: Enhancing Community Safety

MAGEN Chicago is working hard to increase safety patrols to keep our neighborhood and Jewish institutions safe. Currently, they have one branded vehicle that serves as additional "eyes and ears" to deter and report any suspicious activity.

MAGEN is raising funds to add four more vehicles to its patrol fleet. This will allow it to expand its presence and significantly enhance safety in additional areas.

MAGEN works closely with law enforcement to make all community members feel secure and allow everyone to go about their lives without fear of anti-Semitism, hate crimes, or violence. Their growing presence is an important proactive measure for community safety.

However, safety is a shared responsibility. Residents should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. They should call 911 immediately to report suspicious activity and make us their second call at 1-844-MAGEN-CHI. Together, we can better secure our community for all.

Community Safety Services Program Expands:

MAGEN Chicago Seeks Volunteers

MAGEN Chicago, dedicated to protecting our Jewish community and institutions, announces a significant expansion of its Community Safety Services Program. With the mission of "Protecting Our Community From Within," MAGEN Chicago calls for volunteers to support their growing initiatives.

The expanded Community Safety Services Program introduces several new initiatives:

1. Safety Patrols: Increasing visible presence and acting as a second set of eyes in our neighborhood

2. Park Patrols: Ensuring safety in public spaces frequented by community members

3. Rapid Response Teams: Highly trained groups ready to react swiftly to a concerning situation

4. Krav Maga for Children: Self-defense classes tailored for young community members

5. First Responder Drone Team: Utilizing technology for enhanced surveillance and quicker response times

These additions complement MAGEN Chicago's existing emergency response training and community outreach efforts.

The organization emphasizes that as threats evolve, so must their response. MAGEN Chicago believes the community's strength lies in unity and shared commitment to safety. They stress that whether individuals can spare a few hours a week or a few hours a month, every contribution makes a real difference in safeguarding synagogues, schools, and cultural centers.

Long-time volunteers report gaining invaluable crisis management and public safety skills while contributing to their community's well-being, describing it as incredibly rewarding experience.

MAGEN Chicago assures potential volunteers that no prior experience is necessary. The organization provides comprehensive training to ensure all volunteers are well-prepared for their roles and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate various lifestyles and commitments.

The program expansion comes at a crucial time, as recent reports indicate a rise in security concerns for Jewish communities nationwide. MAGEN Chicago's proactive approach aims to create a robust network of trained volunteers ready to respond to and prevent potential threats.

Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact MAGEN Chicago at magenchicago.org/signup or call 1-844-MAGEN-CHI for more information about available opportunities.

As MAGEN Chicago embarks on this expansion, it remains committed to fostering a secure environment where Jewish life can thrive. With the support of dedicated volunteers, it aims to set a new standard for community-driven security initiatives, truly embodying its mission of protecting our community from within.

MAGEN Chicago Unveils Ambitious Drone Program for Rapid Response

MAGEN Chicago announced the development of a cutting-edge FRD First Responders Drone Program in a bold move to enhance community safety. The initiative aims to dramatically reduce emergency response times and provide real-time video in crisis situations.

Still in the developmental stages, the program plans to establish two drone docking stations on strategically selected synagogue roofs across the neighborhood. According to MAGEN officials, these unmanned aerial vehicles will be deployed from central dispatch centers to arrive on the scene within 90 seconds of a call.

This program could be a game-changer for community safety. Having eyes in the sky so quickly could make all the difference in emergencies.

The drones will be equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of capturing license plate information and streaming live footage to their Rapid Response Team as well as to the police if requested. This technological leap promises to provide crucial real-time data to their team.

Leading the aerial efforts is Chiam Naiditch, MAGEN's Chief Pilot. Naiditch brings experience to the program, including his background as a flight instructor, chief pilot, and former airline pilot. "Operating drones falls under the same FAA regulations as piloting aircraft," Naiditch stated. "The stress management and decision-making skills required are very similar. My aviation background will directly apply to training our drone pilots to operate safely and effectively in high-pressure situations."

MAGEN emphasizes that the program will be fully licensed with the FAA, insured, and comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. This commitment to regulatory adherence ensures that drone operations will be conducted safely and legally within urban airspace.

The organization reports having two FAA-licensed Part 107 drone pilots on staff, including Naiditch and is recruiting more to expand its capabilities.

The ambitious project comes with costs. MAGEN is launching a fundraising campaign, calling on community members to contribute to what it describes as "an exciting advancement in neighborhood safety and security."

While some have raised privacy concerns, MAGEN insists that strict protocols will be in place to protect citizens' rights while enhancing public safety. The organization's adherence to FAA regulations is part of this commitment to responsible operations.

As the project progresses, many in Chicago's community safety circles are watching keenly. If successful, MAGEN's drone program could serve as a model for community rapid response initiatives in other cities.

If you would like more information or to contribute to the program, you can contact MAGEN Chicago at info@magenchicago.org.

MAGEN Chicago Launches Free Self-Defense Classes for Youth

CHICAGO - In response to rising concerns about youth safety, MAGEN Chicago has initiated free summer self-defense classes for children aged 8–14. The program offers separate classes for girls and boys, aiming to equip young people with crucial skills in an increasingly unpredictable world. The first few classes have already been booked up, indicating strong community interest.

The girls' classes are led by Leslie Lefranc, a renowned Krav Maga instructor. Lefranc's innovative approach adapts self-defense techniques to real-world scenarios children might face in schools, playgrounds, and public spaces.

"Our goal is to empower kids with practical tools they can use in everyday situations," Lefranc stated. "We're not just teaching self-defense; we're building confidence and awareness."

The curriculum covers self-defense techniques, situational awareness, fitness, and self-confidence building. By offering separate classes for boys and girls, MAGEN Chicago ensures that each group can learn in an environment tailored to their specific needs and concerns.

Parents report noticing positive changes in their children's demeanor and sense of security since joining the program.

"It's amazing to see how much more confident my daughter has become," said Sarah, the mother of a 10-year-old participant. "She's more aware of her surroundings and feels safer participating in regular activities."

As word spreads, enrollment in both the girls' and boys' programs continues to grow, with initial classes filling up quickly. MAGEN Chicago sees this as a positive step towards creating a safer community for all children.

Those interested in registering their children for these free, separate boys and girls classes can visit magenchicago.org/events for more information and enrollment details. Given the high demand, early registration is encouraged.

Visit magenchicago.org/eve nts to register now!

Calling 911

Community members must continue to 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.

Need Assistance in an Emergency Situation?

MAGEN Chicago's Rapid Response Team is here to help our community when you need it most.

Always call 911 first in an emergency, then make us your second call to: 1-844-MAGEN-CHI (1-844-624-3624).

Our call center will immediately dispatch a team of dedicated volunteers to aid and act as a force multiplier for our local police. We're committed to protecting our community from within.

The MAGEN Rapid Response Team provides an extra layer of security and support. With highly trained members ready to respond rapidly, we're prepared to handle a wide range of situations, from monitoring areas of concern and helping find video footage to assisting with search and rescue efforts.

Protecting our community is our highest priority. Don't hesitate to utilize this vital resource. Call 1-844-MAGEN-CHI when you need us.

We'll be there.

Volunteer Patrols Boosting Community Safety in Our Neighborhood

The volunteer-powered Chicago Neighborhood Safety Watch (CNSW) program has been rolling for several months, with citizen patrols hitting the streets to help deter crime and enhance community safety across our local neighborhood.

Operated by the nonprofit MAGEN Chicago and modeled after a successful decades-old program in Baltimore, the CNSW deploys unarmed volunteer patrols assigned to specific neighborhood quadrants. The patrols cruise in vehicles donned with door magnets and green flashing lights, acting as high-visibility deterrents to criminal activity.

While on patrol, the volunteers maintain contact with a team leader and vigilantly observe their surroundings. If they witness any suspicious behavior, they relocate and report it to the police without confrontation. The aim is for the patrols to act as force multipliers, providing extra eyes and ears to assist law enforcement efforts.

Each volunteer patrol shift begins with a briefing covering recent local crime trends and a review of safety protocols the volunteers must follow while on duty. Baltimore's long-running volunteer patrol program has helped reduce crime rates in patrolled areas over its 41-year existence. The organizers hope the CNSW patrols will have a similar positive impact on our community.

More community members patrolling their neighborhoods increases vigilance and can deter criminal activity. The patrols have been rolling for months now, and we're already seeking additional volunteers to keep this program rolling and to expand this important public safety effort."

Those interested in joining the Chicago Neighborhood Safety Watch patrols can visit magenchicago.org/cnsw to learn more and sign up.

Patrol Information and Sign Up

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.