JCC Chicago stands proudly as the largest JCC in North America, committed to enriching Jewish life.
Unlike many JCCs across the country that primarily function as health clubs or fitness centers, JCC Chicago uniquely focuses on core programs and experiences for Jewish families and children. Their offerings extend well beyond fitness, including childcare and preschools, day camps across Chicagoland, and the largest Jewish overnight camp in the country. These spaces are vital for the Jewish community, serving as hubs for cultural and Jewish connections.
In the wake of the Hamas massacre on October 7th, the world’s Jewish community faced an immediate surge in antisemitism and heightened fear for safety. In every place where Jewish community members congregate, conversations quickly ensued about how to increase security so that services could continue to be provided and so that people would continue to come.
As a longtime supporter of Chicago’s Jewish community, Michael Reese recognized how critical this moment was and reached out to JCC Chicago, asking a simple yet profound question: “How can we help?”
The response was clear – JCC Chicago needed to ensure the security and safety of their spaces for the children and families who use them every day.
Several early childhood families immediately withdrew from programming due to fear of being in a Jewish institution and early childhood and day camp directors report about 75% of all conversations with families are around security.
The presence of active, aware, armed personnel performs not only as a deterrent to potential violence, but also provides psychological safety for parents and children.
“We are looking at an additional $700,000 for unbudgeted security expenses. That’s not money we have in the bank. If the government and philanthropy doesn’t provide funding, our only option to ensure safety is to increase the fees our families pay for services, and that’s not a fair option to families who are already struggling to make ends meet and it doesn’t align with our mission. We want to be there for our families, for our community,” said JCC Chicago’s President & CEO, Addie Goodman.“
“These spaces hold great significance for the Jewish community, with over a million Jews and half a million friends and neighbors entering the doors of more than 170 JCC sites nationwide each week. To address the concern of our parents, who are asking for increased security, we need consistent, sustained funding. Sustained funding not only supports hiring security personnel but ensures continuity, creating a familiar and reassuring presence day to day, week to week for the kids in our programs.”
To support the increased need for security at JCC Chicago sites, Michael Reese quickly provided a $100,000 grant to ease the initial burden for the JCC while they investigated other funding sources.
In times of uncertainty, partnerships like these become a beacon of hope, reaffirming that communities can come together to overcome challenges and build a secure future for all.