The Charlotte Jewish News- November 2026- Page 26
Foundation of Shalom Park Approves Major Campus Security Measures
By Terri Beattie
The Foundation of Shalom Park( FSP) board of directors has approved two major security initiatives expected to be in place by early 2027:
• Construction of a perimeter fence and controlled-access gates
• Creation of an armed guard program staffed by qualified FSP security officers
The measures expand Shalom Park’ s layered security system, which includes professional personnel, cameras, access-control technology, emergency communications, physical safeguards, training and partnerships with local and federal law enforcement agencies.
“ No single fence, camera, officer, gate or procedure can make a campus secure. Effective security depends on multiple layers working together, including people, technology, physical security, preparedness, communication and response,” said Adam Bernstein, FSP board chair.“ These new investments represent a continuous, diligent and shared commitment by FSP and its partner organizations to protect the thousands of people who come to Shalom Park to worship, learn, work, receive services, celebrate and participate in Jewish communal life.”
Creating a More Secure
Rendering of the new perimeter fence planned for Shalom Park.
Campus Perimeter
The project will install a decorative, hard-to-climb metal fence around Shalom Park, encompassing the Temple Beth El, Temple Israel and The Leon Levine Foundation properties along Jefferson Drive. Gates will be added or repositioned to provide greater control over vehicle and pedestrian access.
The campus will remain open
An armed security officer stands outside the Levine JCC as part of Foundation of Shalom Park’ s expanded security measures. during normal operating hours through designated entrances. The fence will offer greater protection for less visible areas along the sides and rear of the property, deter unauthorized entry, and allow Shalom Park to be fully secured after hours. In an emergency, the barrier and clearly defined entry points can delay an intruder, giving security personnel and law enforcement supplementary time to respond.
The project has also drawn financial support from Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community( FCJC), whose board of directors approved a $ 100,000 grant toward construction. FCJC initiated the contribution, approaching FSP with an offer of assistance from its unrestricted reserves.
“ On behalf of the FCJC Board, we are proud to make this $ 100,000 grant to help enhance security at Shalom Park,” said FCJC board chair Jon Massachi.“ This investment allows us to partner with the Foundation of Shalom Park while helping reduce the financial burden on the organizations that serve our community every day. Going forward, we will continue to look for meaningful opportunities to put FCJC’ s financial resources to work strengthening Jewish life, religion and culture to better meet the evolving needs of our community.”
Only once before has FCJC awarded that amount from its unrestricted reserves: to Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte( JFGC) for the Israel Emergency Campaign following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel.
FCJC manages 287 funds for individuals and nonprofit organizations, with approximately $ 302 million in total assets. The grant reflects the capacity of local Jewish institutions to marshal their resources in response
to a pressing need.
FSP will contribute the first $ 500,000 toward construction, with the FCJC grant applied to the total cost. Shalom Park agencies and congregations will cover the balance, making the fence a campuswide investment in the safety of all who visit, work and gather there.
Establishing an Armed Guard Program
Under the second initiative, a select group of FSP security officers will be authorized to carry firearms. Eligibility will be limited to those who meet rigorous professional standards and complete the required screening, instruction, and certification. The program will comply with North Carolina regulations and include additional preparation, detailed policies developed with legal counsel, continuing qualification, and close oversight.
Its purpose is to improve Shalom Park’ s response to a serious threat during the critical minutes before additional law enforcement officers arrive. Armed guards will serve within the campus’ larger protective system alongside unarmed personnel, technology, access controls, emergency procedures and physical barriers.
Unlike the fence, which is a capital expense, the guard program will become part of continuing operations. Its cost will be incorporated into the 2027 budget and supported by fees shared among campus agencies and congregations.
Security as a Shared Responsibility
The Shalom Park Security Committee evaluated both proposals, whose members include leaders from campus organizations, law enforcement representatives and community members with professional backgrounds in security, the military, intelligence and cybersecurity.
The way the initiatives were developed and financed reflects the collaborative nature of Shalom Park. FSP, FCJC, campus agencies and congregations are contributing in different ways to a common responsibility, namely, safeguarding the people who gather there and the institutions that sustain Jewish life across the campus. The objective is not merely to secure a property, but to preserve a place where Jewish life can be lived openly and safely, each and every day.
The Foundation of Shalom Park, a 501( c)( 3) nonprofit organization, owns and manages the properties and facilities that support most of the Jewish organizations located on the central campus of Shalom Park. These include Temple Israel, Temple Beth El, the Levine Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, Jewish Family Services, Temple Israel Religious School, Temple Beth El Religious School, Consolidated High School of Jewish Studies, Charlotte Jewish Preschool, Charlotte Jewish Day School, the Center for Jewish Education, Hebrew Cemetery Association, B’ nai Brith Youth Organization, NC Hillel, and The Charlotte Jewish News. For more information about the Foundation of Shalom Park and its mission, visit ShalomCharlotte. org