Hamilton Jewish Federation and Secure Community Network Launch Canada’s First-of-its-Kind Security Program

New Program Led by Glenn Mannella Marks a Historic Step in Enhancing the Safety and Security of Hamilton’s Jewish Community

In a groundbreaking step forward for Jewish communal security in Canada, the Hamilton Jewish Federation and the Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, have launched Hamilton’s community security program. This initiative is the first SCN-led security program in Canada, representing a major milestone in safeguarding Jewish institutions across the country. The SCN-led program will be overseen by Glenn Mannella, who was recently appointed as the Regional Security Advisor for the Hamilton Jewish Federation. 

For over a century, the Hamilton Jewish Federation has supported the safety, well-being, and growth of the local Jewish community. Today, Greater Hamilton is home to more than a dozen institutions that contribute to the cultural, religious, and communal life of its more than 5,000 Jewish residents. Integrating Hamilton’s program into SCN’s national network enhances security for synagogues, schools, community centers, service organizations, and other Jewish community spaces throughout the Hamilton area.

Mannella, a Hamilton resident for 17 years, brings over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, with nearly a decade in command roles. He began his career with the Halton Regional Police Service in 1993 and recently retired as an inspector overseeing Professional Standards. He has also led divisions in Human Resources, Training and Recruiting, Emergency Services, and District Operations. Additionally, as a critical incident commander, he managed operational planning and risk assessments. Mannella has also taught as a part-time professor in Mohawk College’s Police Foundations program, where he covered Ethics and Diversity and First Nations Issues.

“We welcome Glenn Mannella as our new Security Director and are proud to be the first community in Canada to have a security program in partnership with Secure Community Network. We are confident in Glenn’s leadership and expertise, and we believe his presence will make a meaningful, positive impact on the safety and resilience of our community,” said Gustavo Rymberg, CEO of the Hamilton Jewish Federation.

“In my three-decade career in law enforcement, I’ve seen the impact that dedicated security measures can have on a community’s sense of safety. This role lets me bridge my background in crisis management to a community facing heightened security challenges,” said Glenn Mannella, Regional Security Advisor for the Hamilton Jewish Federation. “I’m eager to help enhance the security practices for Hamilton’s Jewish institutions and introduce training that fosters a proactive mindset among community members. With SCN’s support and the National Jewish Security Operations Command Center’s 24/7 resources, we’re well-positioned to create a safer and more security-conscious environment for Hamilton’s 5,000-strong Jewish residents.”

This security initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Federation, local donors, community partners, and national donors, with professional support from SCN. Major funding for this initiative comes from both SCN and The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) through the joint $130 million LiveSecure Campaign — the largest philanthropic effort ever undertaken to establish a comprehensive, standards-based collective security framework for Jewish communities across North America.

“In our journey to ensure that every Jewish community has a strong security initiative necessary for flourishing Jewish life, we’re thrilled to see that Hamilton is taking steps to grow its security program. I look forward to working with the community to raise the necessary matching funds as it continues on its journey to secure the Jewish community,” said The Jewish Federations of North America Chair Julie Platt.

The Hamilton Jewish Federation joins the growing network of Jewish Federations and communities that have partnered with SCN to launch or build upon existing community-wide security programs designed around an “all threats, all hazards” approach to preparedness, safety, security, and resiliency. Each program is connected to SCN’s national operations, providing direct access to SCN’s National Jewish Security Operations Command Center and Duty Desk, as well as best practice security resources and support related to policies, procedures, physical security, facility assessments, training, and incident response. SCN and the Federation are currently in the process of hiring a security professional to direct this program.

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