Who We Are
The Community Security Service
Our Story
Protecting Jewish Life and the Jewish Way of Life
The Community Security Service (CSS) was founded on an idea long held by Jewish communities around the world: protecting Jewish life and the Jewish way of life starts with Jews taking ownership of their own security.
CSS's mission is powered by tens of thousands of trained community members and active volunteers—from college students to parents and congregants—who protect hundreds of Jewish institutions and events every week.
Now recognized as the nation's leading community-based security organization, CSS provides professional-grade training and coordination. This empowers ordinary Jews to keep themselves safe and to serve as security and safety volunteers, helping to protect Jewish institutions and events in their community. Formally incorporated in 2007, our ethos is based on a century of Jewish self-defense in America - dating back to the anti-Nazi protests led by Jewish War Veterans on the streets of New York in the 1930s.
“Our partnership with the Community Security Service is about securing the Jewish future by honoring our past. We are united in a continuous commitment to service, standing up for the Jewish community in America across generations. Together, we ensure that the courage and vigilance displayed by our veterans remain alive and active in our streets, synagogues, and communities.” -- Scott P. Stevens, National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA
Our Contribution
Trained and Ready to Protect
CSS trained community members and active volunteer security teams have detected and responded to hundreds of incidents, stopped attempts at harming Jewish institutions and community members, and worked with law enforcement to address security concerns. All our programs are developed with the help of foremost security experts.
Situational
Awareness
Suspicious
Behavior
Law Enforcement
Liaison
Access
Control
Physical
Training
Perimeter
Security
Emergency
Management
CSS ensures that the Jewish community can
Celebrate, Gather, and Worship Safely
CSS provides training to congregants and members of Jewish institutions, ranging from introductory 1-hour online courses to the building and coordinating of professionally trained volunteer security teams. We follow a proven methodology developed by leading security experts, which helps your community proactively identify and prevent antisemitic threats and incidents.
- Situational awareness
- Access control and perimeter security
- Law enforcement coordination
Become a Volunteer
Get Involved and Protect Your Community
CSS designed unique training programs for community members interested in becoming volunteers to safeguard their communities. There are multiple levels of training to choose from depending on your interest and abilities. They are open to all community members, both affiliated and unaffiliated.
- Gain security and safety skills
- Help to identify and prevent potential threats
- Protect the Jewish community
“The CSS has a tested model that enables Jewish community members to serve as the eyes and ears of their community and deter, prevent and mitigate attacks on their institutions. CSS is unique and invaluable, its training is best in class, and I am proud to volunteer my time helping them.”
Mark J. Sullivan22nd Director of the U.S. Secret Service