Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans Announces Partnership to
Bolster Community Safety and Security

New Orleans, LA (July 12, 2021) – To better protect members of the Greater New Orleans Jewish community who attend area synagogues, day schools, and other facilities, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans has announced a new partnership with Secure Community Network (SCN) to manage the design and implementation of a community-wide security program, to include a full-time Community Security Director who will oversee the initiative. SCN is the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America.

With the launch of the Community Security Initiative (CSI), New Orleans joins the growing network of Federations and communities partnering with SCN to launch community-based security initiatives designed around an “All Threats, All Hazards” approach to preparedness, safety, security, and resiliency across the community. The program will be connected to SCN’s national network, providing direct access to the National Jewish Security Operations Command Center, SCN’s Duty Desk and Intelligence Analysts, as well as best practice resources and support related to policies, procedures, physical security, facility assessments, training, and incident response.

To lead the effort, public safety expert and law enforcement veteran Jimmy Stewart has been hired to serve as the first Community Security Director for the greater New Orleans Jewish community. Stewart will serve as a representative of SCN and will work full-time to develop and administer a comprehensive program that provides threat mitigation, security consultation, and trainings to Jewish institutions throughout the region.

Stewart has over 35 years of experience in law enforcement – 21 of those in various positions within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As the Supervisory Resident Agent in Pensacola, Florida, Stewart supervised all criminal programs, including violent crime, public corruption, civil rights, health care fraud, and cyber-crime, and oversaw a Joint Terrorism Task Force to address counterterrorism and domestic terrorism investigations in the territory. In addition to his domestic portfolio, Stewart completed two tours overseas supporting counterterrorism investigations and activities in Islamabad, Pakistan.

“We are thrilled to have Jimmy join our Federation as the first Community Security Director,” said Federation CEO Arnie Fielkow. “With the dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents and acts of hate over the past several years, Jewish communal security has never been more important. Jimmy’s tremendous knowledge, expertise, and law enforcement relationships and partnerships will help keep our local community safe and secure.”
 
Prior to joining the FBI in 1996, Stewart spent 13 years with the New Orleans Police Department, working a variety of assignments in patrol, narcotics, vice, intelligence, and homicide. Most recently, Stewart served as Chief of Police for the City of Hammond, where he oversaw improvements to Internal Affairs, expanded diversity training, and increased overall officer training as well as community engagement and outreach.

Michael Masters, CEO of SCN, said, “It’s critical to strengthen the safety and security of the Jewish community given the threats we regularly face. The partnership provides a professional security operation to the greater New Orleans community that is rooted in best practice and keenly aware of and responsive to the needs of the Jewish community. We are honored to partner with the Federation and look forward to working with them on enhancing the safety and security of the places attended by the New Orleans community.”

Stewart will serve as an expert advisor to Jewish institutions such as synagogues and day schools and establish a system of collaboration, coordination, and communication among organizations. He will also serve as a liaison to local, state, and federal law enforcement and represent the Federation and the Jewish community in public security forums.

“I am excited to join the Federation and contribute to the safety and security of the greater New Orleans Jewish community,” Stewart noted. “I hope to use my extensive law enforcement and security background to protect the community from all forms of threats.”

Following an intensive onboarding process to include immersive community visits to introduce Mr. Stewart to the Federation system, existing security programs and security issues and concerns specific to the Jewish community and training related to security assessments and active threat response, Mr. Stewart will be onsite in New Orleans for launch of the community security program on August 2, 2021, to spearhead community planning and preparedness efforts in advance of the High Holidays.

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Explore the world through Federation's 2021 Virtual Missions

The final installment in the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans's 2021 series of virtual missions, designed to help you explore Jewish stories around the world from the safety and comfort of your home, is scheduled for Sunday, August 8. There is no cost, and this virtual exploration of Budapest is open to everyone. The Zoom link will be sent to participants in advance. Check out the video of our recent virtual mission to Prague, which is linked above.

Jewish Federation Virtual Mission to Budapest | August 8 | 9:30 a.m.

Please click the button below to register. The Mission Committee Co-Chairs are Stacey Lutz and Ben Swig. Questions? Please contact Sherri Tarr at sherritarr@jewishnola.com. This series is made possible through the generosity of Jones Walker LLP and the New Orleans Business Alliance.