Because of You, I Can Breathe Easier

I’m a father in Toco Hills and have been living here for the past eight years. And because of you, I can walk into our synagogue with my wife and kids and feel calm. I can sit in the sanctuary and focus on prayer, not on who might walk through the door. I can kiss my kids goodbye at school drop-off and drive away without that lingering fear in the pit of my stomach.

But honestly, even in this past year, there was a time when I didn’t feel that way. Every news story about an incident at a religious institution left me unsettled. And when I heard about someone here in Atlanta showing up at multiple Jewish spaces and acting suspiciously, I was shaken.

But then I learned how quickly Federation and the Secure Community Network stepped in—tracking, coordinating, and stopping him before anything worse could happen. It made me realize that, even when I’m not aware of it, people are working behind the scenes to keep us safe.

I recently went to a Federation security training. At first, I wondered what I could really contribute—I’m not law enforcement. But I walked away empowered. I learned that even something as simple as greeting someone at the door can protect our community. I understood, maybe for the first time, that keeping Jewish Atlanta safe isn’t just the job of police or professionals—it’s all of ours.

But the truth is, what Federation has built isn’t just about security. It’s about giving me back peace of mind. It’s about letting me celebrate the holidays and Shabbat with joy, not with anxiety. It’s about giving my children the chance to grow up in a Jewish community where they feel free, proud, and safe.

Because of you, I don’t have to live in fear. I get to live in confidence. I get to raise my kids in a community where Jewish life can thrive. And that is the greatest gift you could give us.