Jewish Nevada announced today a transformational $1 million commitment from Samantha and Scott Johnson to strengthen security for Jewish institutions and community life across Nevada. This is the largest single philanthropic investment in Jewish communal security in the organization’s history.
As antisemitism and attacks on Jewish community members and institutions continue to grow nationwide, this investment will expand security resources for synagogues, schools, camps and Jewish organizations throughout Nevada as well as strengthen statewide security coordination through Jewish Nevada’s partnership with the Secure Community Network. It represents the next chapter in Jewish Nevada’s ongoing commitment to community security, building on the foundation established through years of partnership, advocacy and philanthropic support.
The investment is structured in three pillars. The first pillar establishes a Community Security Impact Grant Program for Jewish schools, synagogues and agencies. It will focus on physical security, with priority given to personnel, including trained guards and on-site presence. This grant program will help Nevada Jewish organizations increase the security of their participants, giving them time to reach a steady state of funds raised to meet their security needs on an ongoing basis. The second supports Jewish Nevada’s role in providing centralized security leadership, coordination and access to national expertise through Jewish Nevada’s partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN). The final pillar will launch a $100,000 matching initiative designed to inspire additional community investment in protecting Jewish life. It will help support the security needs associated with Jewish Nevada led programs and gatherings, including summer camp experiences, Women’s Philanthropy programs, community celebrations, leadership events, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, missions and large-scale community convenings.
“We want every single Jewish person in Nevada to be able to be proudly and safely Jewish,” said Samantha Johnson. “Security has never been more essential and urgent in order to preserve our sense of Jewish community.”
“Jewish Nevada is deeply grateful for donors like the Johnsons whose generosity helps strengthen our community and expand our impact across the state,” said Stefanie Tuzman, President and CEO of Jewish Nevada. “Their partnership represents a steadfast commitment to protecting our community, not only at this moment, but in a way that strengthens and sustains security year after year.”
The Johnson’s transformational investment will help ensure that Jewish life in Nevada is safeguarded not just for today or over the next four years, but for generations to come. It strengthens the community’s ability to gather, learn, worship and thrive with confidence.
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About Jewish Nevada
Jewish Nevada is Nevada’s Jewish Federation, serving as the representative organization for the 70,000 Jews in Nevada. It is the only organization charged with assessing and addressing the needs of the entire community. Jewish Nevada works diligently to build a vibrant community and sustain Jewish life throughout Nevada, Israel, and around the world. It is committed to the values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world); Tzedakah (righteousness and philanthropy); and G’milut Hasadim (acts of kindness and service). For more information, visit JewishNevada.org.
