CHICAGO, Illinois (Press Release) — The Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, in partnership with Hillel International and the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS), is announcing the launch of “SafeU: Campus Safety Initiative,” a first-of-its-kind training program designed to equip university students with critical situational awareness and first-aid skills.
SafeU was developed in response to the ongoing hate and violence Jewish students face on university campuses, which dramatically escalated following the 07 October Hamas terrorist attacks. In 2024, SCN tracked over 500 reports of threat incidents and suspicious activity on our campuses and identified over 120 encampments on campuses. During this period of unrest, Jewish students and faculty encountered hostile protests, unlawful encampments, violent incidents, and targeted harassment on many campuses.
Developed with students, SafeU adapts SCN’s proven training curricula to specifically address the increasingly volatile security issues facing Jewish students. Expert instructors guide students through real-life simulations, enhancing their knowledge, confidence, and situational preparedness.
Three-time Super Bowl Champion and tolerance advocate Julian Edelman previewed the training and endorsed the program in a special video message for students, seen above. “As a Jewish athlete, I know how important it is to feel proud of who you are and what you stand for—and college should be no different. Safety and community are at the heart of who we are,” Edelman said. “This training isn’t just about being prepared—it’s about empowerment. It’s about showing up, standing strong, and knowing you have the skills to support yourself and others while making a difference.”
Students who participate in the training will learn awareness techniques to remain vigilant in everyday settings, planning strategies for preparing safe commuting routes and emergency contingencies, hands-on practice with lifesaving first-aid procedures, de-escalation techniques and communication methods, and action steps for safely responding to imminent threats, including methods of escape.
These skills are applied to scenarios such as recognizing and responding to hostile or potentially dangerous situations and ensuring that campus Hillels and other centers of Jewish life remain open and active joyful spaces free from fear. Students or campus organizations interested in participating can contact SCN’s Director of Campus Safety & Security, Kerri Reifel, or email training@securecommunitynetwork.org for more information.
“As the official safety and security partner of Hillel International, SCN is dedicated to ensuring that students feel safe and proud of their identity, especially in these challenging times,” said Michael Masters, SCN National Director and CEO. “SafeU equips students with practical tools and confidence, reinforcing our mission to protect and strengthen Jewish life through engaging and practical programming, especially that which embeds a safety mindset amongst the next generation.”
The program builds on SCN’s broader campus safety initiatives, including its longstanding partnership with Hillel International. In August 2024, SCN and Hillel International announced the launch of Operation SecureOurCampuses, an effort to expand resources to over 50 college and university campuses to include full-time intelligence analysts dedicated to monitoring campus developments and enhanced coordination with law enforcement, public safety officials, and centers of Jewish life.
“Hillel International is proud to work with SCN on SafeU to expand the tools and resources we provide students that can enhance their safety on campus,” said Adam Lehman, President and CEO of Hillel International. “This training is a unique and impactful way to address targeting of Jewish students and Jewish student organizations, such as Hillels, and ensure our university communities can be secure, welcoming spaces for all Jewish students.”
“FCAS is proud to partner with SCN and Hillel on this SafeU training to support our mission of uniting Jews and non-Jews alike in the ever-important fight against hate and violence on college campuses. Collaborating to surge resources, alongside our own data tracking, outreach, and mass media campaigns —that can help equip students with tools to stand up to Jewish hate and combat threats,” Tara Levine, President of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, added.
To report a campus security incident to SCN’s dedicated campus monitoring database, please visit reportcampushate.org.
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Preceding provided by Secure Community Network