In times of uncertainty, the strength of a community lies in its ability to respond, adapt, and support one another. The Jewish Emergency Preparedness Project (JEPP) is dedicated to building that strength in Jewish communities across the United States, using a model inspired by over 40 years of experience in Israel. Our approach is simple yet powerful: community members must be empowered to take care of each other, staying true to our Jewish values of mutual support and protection.
JEPP brings the Israeli approach to the United States—a model based on decades of experience and the belief that every community member has a role to play. Now, more than ever, we see the resilience of Israeli communities, as they protect themselves from thousands of missiles and support those who have had to relocate and find temporary homes. This resilience is built on the Jewish value of "Kol Yisrael Arevim Ze Laze"—all of Israel is responsible for one another. We in the Jewish American community must embrace this proactive approach and ensure we are prepared for whatever comes our way.
In Israel, emergencies are a part of life, and preparedness is woven into the fabric of daily living. JEPP brings this mindset to the U.S., where rising antisemitism and unpredictable crises demand that we take proactive steps to protect our communities. Whether it's the aftermath of a natural disaster, like the recent hurricane, or other emergencies, the need to be prepared has never been greater. We know that the first moments of a crisis are critical, and the people best suited to respond are those already on the ground—our neighbors, friends, and community members.
JEPP’s approach centers on empowering local individuals through training and preparedness programs. We help establish local emergency response teams in synagogues, day schools, community centers, summer camps, and other faith-based institutions. By providing vulnerability assessments, customized emergency response plans, and practical training sessions, we make sure that communities are ready for any eventuality. Our work ensures that when the unexpected happens, communities don’t need to wait for external help—they are equipped to take action themselves.
This is more than just emergency preparedness. It’s about fostering a culture of responsibility, care, and resilience. JEPP believes that every person has a role to play in ensuring the safety of their community. When people are trained and equipped to respond to crises, they not only enhance physical safety but also create a sense of security and solidarity that strengthens the entire community.
The impact of this work is profound. Since our founding three years ago, we have partnered with more than 60 Jewish organizations, helping them build resilience and readiness. Our goal is to expand this work further, reaching 40 new organizations this year alone. But to achieve this, we need the partnership and support of individuals and organizations who share our vision of resilient, self-reliant Jewish communities.
Together, we can ensure that our communities remain strong, safe, and united in the face of any challenge. By taking inspiration from Israel’s community-based response model and applying it to our local context, we can create a network of care that supports each and every member of our community—no matter what comes our way.
Join us in this mission. Let’s build resilience together.
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