B"H

Community Safety Services

Shul Security Training
Community Safety & Education
Safety Patrols & Response

"Protecting Our Community From Within" Since 2016

MAGEN Chicago's Jewish Community Safety Newsletter

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

Purim Patrols

Purim is a time of celebration and joy within the Jewish community, but it's also a time when safety should be a top priority. Recognizing this, MAGEN Chicago has launched a new initiative called "Purim Patrols" to ensure the well-being and safety of the community during the Purim festivities. These patrols will be increased during key times, offering a visible presence and a reassuring sense of safety for all.

In addition to the increased patrols, MAGEN Chicago has taken a proactive step by contracting with a reliable transportation company to provide rides for those who may have overindulged in the Purim festivities. This service will be available on the night of Motzei Shabbat from 8 PM to 12 AM and on Sunday afternoon from 4 PM to 10 PM. Community members are encouraged to wave down these patrols on the street if assistance is needed or call MAGEN Chicago's 24/6 Emergency line at 1-844-MAGEN-CHI to arrange for a ride. MAGEN Chicago emphasizes responsible behavior and reminds the community to "stay alive—don't drink and drive." Show your support for this important initiative by thanking the Purim Patrols, who work hard to keep the community safe during this joyous time.

MAGEN Chicago Provided Crowd Safety For Community Lecture At F.R.E.E.

It was truly an honor for MAGEN Chicago to have the opportunity to ensure crowd safety during Chabad of Evanston's highly inspiring lecture on the remarkable one-armed IDF sharpshooter at the FREE Synagogue this week. Our team of devoted SSO volunteers were diligently focused on maintaining a secure environment and keeping a vigilant eye on all attendees. We thank our dedicated Shul Safety Officers for their unwavering commitment to "Protecting Our Community From Within." If your event is in need of crowd safety, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. Below is a link to our request form.

Crowd Safety Request Form

Anti Car Theft Initiative by CPD 024th and MAGEN Chicago

In an effort to combat the rising tide of car thefts in our city, MAGEN Chicago joined forces with the Chicago Police Department's 024th District CAPS and POWASAT team Officers Michael Specht and Roger Heath. Our collaborative initiative aimed to empower residents with practical tools to deter would-be thieves.

Through a carefully coordinated campaign, MAGEN Chicago and the CPD 024th District distributed 120 steering wheel lock anti-theft devices to residents in the area. These simple yet effective devices serve as a physical barrier, making it significantly more challenging for criminals to gain unauthorized access to vehicles. By increasing the difficulty and risk associated with potential car thefts, the organizations hope to dissuade opportunistic thieves from targeting the neighborhood.

While this joint effort may not entirely eradicate the problem of car thefts, it represents a proactive step toward enhancing community security. By equipping residents with preventive measures and fostering a sense of collective responsibility, MAGEN Chicago and the CPD 024th District are sending a strong message that crime will not be tolerated. The distribution of these anti-theft devices not only provides a practical solution but also serves as a symbolic gesture, demonstrating the commitment of local organizations and law enforcement to safeguarding the community's well-being.

New Volunteer Patrols Aim to Boost Community Safety

A new volunteer patrol program called the Chicago Neighborhood Safety Watch (CNSW) has hit the streets. Groups patrol neighborhoods to deter crime and enhance community safety. Powered by MAGEN Chicago, the CNSW is modeled after a successful frum program in Baltimore.

Unarmed volunteer patrols are assigned quadrants to patrol with vehicles donning green flashing lights, which act as a deterrent. The patrols maintain contact with a team leader. If they witness suspicious activity, they relocate and report it to the police without confrontation. The patrols act as a force multiplier and a second set of eyes for the police. Each shift begins with a briefing covering local crime trends and safety protocols.

The Baltimore program, running for the last 41 years, has helped reduce crime rates in patrolled areas. Organizers hope the Chicago patrols will have a similar positive impact. Having more citizens patrolling their neighborhoods increases vigilance and can deter criminals.

The group is seeking more volunteers who are interested in joining this public safety effort. Visit magenchicago.org/cnsw or click the link below for more information.

Patrol Information and Sign Up

MAGEN Chicago's New Rapid Response Team

MAGEN Chicago dispatched its Rapid Response Team to last week's emergency call. The team swiftly assisted Yishiva students who found themselves in a distressing situation. The students had been subjected to verbal assault and theft during a confrontation in the parking lot behind the Yishiva.

Three members of the Rapid Response Team arrived promptly at the scene, ensuring the area's safety while collaborating with law enforcement when they arrived, providing the police with valuable information for their report. The Rapid Response Team's timely response and seamless cooperation with the police exemplify MAGEN Chicago's dedication to safeguarding the community and efficiently addressing emergencies. Always call 911 first in the event of an emergency, then call our 24/6 Emergency hotline at 1-844-MAGEN-CHI.

Thank you also goes out to our local 024th District CPD for their professional response and handling of the call.

COMMUNITY SAFETY BULLETIN

From CPD 024th POWSAT

The 024th District Place of Worship Safety Advisory Team (P.O.W.S.A.T.) is publicizing this community safety bulletin to address the many upcoming holidays. It has been brought to our attention that bad actors, via media, have called for violence against Jewish and Christian communities during Ramadan and potentially through Passover and Easter.

(Click on the bulletin to read the full article.)

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 your local meetings and getting to know the officers who are 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 goes out to our SSO Rabbi Choni Wineberg and his wife, Chaya Mushka, on the birth of their son Yosef. May they have much Yiddishe and Chassidishe Nachas!

Mazal Tov goes to our President, Chiam Naiditch, and his wife, Sheri, on the engagement of their son Ari to Mollie Jakofsky.

Mazal Tov goes to our SSO Chaim Goldman and his wife, Chani, on the marriage of their daughter, Danya, to Eliyahu Miles.

Mazel Tov to SSO Rabbi Dr. Mark and Esther Weiner, Norm and Debbie Smagley, and Marsha Smagley on the birth of a grandson to Yosef and Leah Weiner.

May we all share in many more simchas together!

We extend our sincere condolences to our SSO Instructor, Michael W., on the loss of his mother. May Hashem comfort him and his family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

24/6 EMERGENCY NUMBER

1-844-MAGEN-CHI

624-3624

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