Magen Am USA, Inc., a West Coast-based security nonprofit, is honored to have its Community Team Member (CTM) Program highlighted as a case study and national best practice for armed, volunteer security teams across the faith-based spectrum, in a recently released whitepaper by the Secure Community Network (SCN), one of the largest Jewish nonprofit security organizations in the country.
The whitepaper, titled “Weapons at Worship – Armed Congregants & Considerations for Synagogue Security,” was published on Sep. 9, 2025 after two years in the making, and draws from the insights of law enforcement professionals, security experts and faith leaders from diverse backgrounds. The white paper serves as a roadmap for religious communities seeking to understand the complexities involved in considering armed congregant security. As its case study, Magen Am’s approach is highlighted as the recommended model—particularly in how it works in close coordination with public safety partners and within a clearly defined framework.
The CTM Program, which consists of community members volunteering as licensed security teams in dozens of Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, Orange County and Phoenix, was created to train and empower secure Jewish communities, so they may live and practice in peace.
“Having worked on the front lines with law enforcement for decades, I recognize the value of models like Magen Am—well-trained, mission-aligned security teams operating within a clear legal framework,” said Miguel Luna, SCN’s community security director for Jewish Long Beach and Jewish Federation of Orange County. “Their inclusion in this white paper highlights how faith-based communities can responsibly and effectively empower their own members to take an active role in their security. It’s a case study that should inspire thoughtful conversation—and action—nationwide.”
Guided by a commitment to community empowerment and sustainable security, the program aims to empower communities by training its own members as armed guards to secure its local synagogues, institutions and community events. Recruits undergo a structured training program with required continuous education and testing, in addition to fulfilling all state requirements to become licensed, armed guards. Once they graduate from the program, the volunteer guards work in tandem with law enforcement, leveraging shared intel and coordinating on-the-ground efforts where needed.
“We’re deeply grateful to SCN for highlighting our work in this important publication,” shared Rabbi Yossi Eilfort, president and founder of Magen Am. “As a relatively young organization, we have learned—and continue to learn—from experienced law enforcement professionals, our security partners and the communities we serve. Our CTM Program represents a continuous effort and a shared belief that communities must play a role in their own safety. We’re honored that this work is being recognized, and we see it as a responsibility to continue improving and expanding our program to other regions in the country.”
This is the third white paper SCN has released in five years on the topic of armed security in places of worship, and notably, it is the first to recommend the use of armed volunteers. In contrast to previous publications that did not endorse any form of armed volunteer presence, this white paper marks a significant shift, explicitly supporting trained, community-based volunteer security teams when implemented under a structured model such as Magen Am’s. Its findings are now widely referenced by security professionals and religious leaders developing safety protocols for faith-based institutions nationwide.
“Magen Am has received commendations from law enforcement officials in Los Angeles for their professional performance, collaboration with law enforcement, and their commitment to the security of the Jewish community,” said Commander Shannon Paulson of the Los Angeles Police Department, Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau.
For those interested in learning more about the CTM Program or how to get involved, complete the interest form here for additional information.
