Jewish Federation, in partnership with Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC), hosted more than 50 leaders and members of the local Latter-day Saints community at the Jewish Community Campus last month for an informational session about security in faith communities.
The gathering came about after the two Jewish organizations discussed reaching out to leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (widely known as the Mormon church) following the deadly attack on a Mormon congregation in Michigan in late September. JCRB|AJC Executive Director Neta Meltzer sent an email to a local bishop who was appreciative and opened the door to coming together. Through conversations about security and preparedness, this training opportunity was developed.
On the evening of Nov. 18, Federation Vice President and COO Derek Gale, along with Meltzer, welcomed these visitors, noting that while Federation and JCRB|AJC serve the Jewish community, they also aim to develop strong relationships with the wider Kansas City community.
Jewish Community Security Director Chuck Green then shared how the Kansas City Jewish community has built a robust and layered security posture over the past 11 years, including sharing best practices applicable for any faith community.
Simon Happer, deputy chief of the Overland Park Police Department, shared his perspective on building a relationship with law enforcement, and Officer Wes Griffith provided information on building security and assessments.
After the presentation, there was a question-and-answer session, during which visiting members of the Mormon church expressed a desire to continue learning and partnering with the local Jewish community.
As a follow up, Gale says he will talk further with volunteers in the Mormon community about the potential to have both adults and teens volunteer to assist with the Maccabi Games, hosted by the Jewish community during early August 2026.
“We found this to be a really positive, bridge-building opportunity with another faith community,” Gale said. “We are staying in communication and are eager to find future opportunities to bring our communities together.”
“Civic engagement and partnering with other faith-based organizations was a running thread of the General Assembly,” said Jay Lewis, Federation president and CEO, referring to the several-thousand-person national conference for Jewish Federation professionals and volunteers that also took place last month. “I am proud to report there is already momentum for this type of work [in our community].”