Dec. 2025
Glen Mannella
As part of Hamilton Jewish Federation’s ongoing commitment to keeping our community safe, the HJN asked Federation’s community security director, Glenn Mannella to reflect on the first year of its partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN) — the official security organization of the Jewish Federations of North America.
Q When did the Hamilton Jewish Federation start working with the Secure Community Network (SCN)?
This November marks one year since we launched our partnership with SCN — and it’s already made a real difference in how we keep our community safe.
Q What exactly does SCN do for us?
SCN gives us access to their 24/7 Duty Desk and National Jewish Security Operations Command Center — basically a high-tech hub that monitors threats, shares real-time intelligence, and coordinates directly with law enforcement and security directors across North America.
Q Why is this kind of support so important right now?
Unfortunately, the kind of hateful rhetoric we see
online has inspired real-world violence against Jewish communities. Having direct access to SCN’s resources helps us identify local threats quickly and connect with police, campus security, and other partners before
problems escalate.
Q How has the first year of the program gone?
Every new SCN program has a checklist of key goals to meet in the first 14 months — and thanks to strong community support, we’re actually ahead of schedule in every category.
Q What kinds of training sessions have you offered?
Since we started, we’ve run 18 training sessions on everything from first aid and CPR to Run/Hide/Fight, personal awareness, Stop the Bleed, and The Power of Hello. We’ve also completed inspections and threat assessments at every Jewish facility in the area.
Q What have you observed over the past year in terms of antisemitism and security concerns?
Sadly, I’ve seen a rise in protests and demonstrations that use the language of peace to mask antisemitism. These false narratives often twist political disagreements into religious hatred. We’ve had community members verbally and even physically assaulted just for being Jewish.
Q How are these incidents handled?
Every incident is reported to police and logged by SCN’s analysts for follow-up. I stay in regular contact with Hamilton Police and really appreciate the support and collaboration we’ve built with them.
Q You’ve mentioned being involved on campus as well — what does that look like?
SCN works closely with Hillel International, and I’m in regular contact with Hillel McMaster and McMaster University’s Campus Safety Services to make sure Jewish students feel supported and protected.
Q What’s next for year two of this program?
I really want to encourage everyone in our community to stay involved — attend our training sessions, stay alert, and report anything that feels off. Hate incidents should always be reported to Hamilton Police and through jewishhamilton.org/scn,
Q How can people learn more or get in touch?
It’s simple — join a training session! SCN’s programs are designed to build awareness and confidence so everyone knows how to respond if something happens.
Feel free to reach out to me directly at: [email protected].
