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Experienced Law Enforcement Leader Carson Nightwine Joins Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County to Strengthen Jewish Community Security

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May 10, 2023

West Palm Beach, FLA. (May 10, 2023) –Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County announced it has hired experienced law enforcement professional Carson Nightwine, Jr. as the Director of Community Security. Nightwine brings more than two decades of service for the U.S. government in various security and law enforcement positions. His hire reflects Federation’s continued commitment and investment to its top priority of ensuring the safety and security of the Jewish community, including synagogues, other Jewish institutions, and community events. In this position, Nightwine will offer strategic direction and security oversight to more than 40 local organizations. 

Nightwine’s experience with the U.S. government was focused on domestic and international security programs, intelligence, investigations and safeguarding federal personnel. In 2022, he retired from the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service as one of the Assistant Special Agents in Charge of the Miami Field Office. Prior to that, Nightwine served as the Regional Security Officer in Cape Town, South Africa. His overseas service included roles in the U.S. Embassies in Baghdad, Iraq and Dhaka, Bangladesh.  According to the FBI, 2 in 3 religious hate crimes are against Jewish people, who make up just 2 percent of the U.S. population. A recent report from the ADL found that Florida has seen a staggering 42 percent increase in antisemitic incidents over the last year, including harassment, vandalism and assault. Florida ranks #4 among all states for the most incidents targeting Jews in the country.

“As the Jewish community faces a disturbing rise in acts of hatred, Federation is providing vital resources and leadership to prepare against security threats and emergency situations,” shared Michael Hoffman, President & CEO of Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. “We are proud to offer Carson’s incredible security expertise to this our community of organizations and synagogues with free trainings, consultations and resources.”

Nightwine will oversee Federation’s community security and preparedness programs – notably J-Secure – aimed at ensuring the safety of partner organizations, synagogues, community events and other Jewish institutions. He will also liaise with national and local law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders; lead presentations and trainings for schools and synagogues on how to prepare and respond to emergencies and threats; conduct security assessments for Federation, partner agencies, synagogues and other community organizations; review security plans; and serve as a community liaison with law enforcement for emergency events.

Over recent months, the Palm Beaches has seen a rash of antisemitic incidents. Leaflets containing antisemitic tropes and images were distributed in several local neighborhoods. Letters were sent to Jewish organizations throughout Florida spewing hatred against Jews. Threatening voicemails were left at several local synagogues. Perhaps most publicly, an image of a swastika was projected on a building in downtown West Palm Beach.

“The world is changing every day and so are the threats faced by the Jewish community. I am honored to lead the effort to protect the physical security of Jewish people and our sacred institutions,” shared Nightwine. “I’m here to support our entire community – from religious school teachers and directors, to clergy, to CEOs – with the goal of enabling people to feel safe and comfortable enjoying the beauty of Jewish life.”

Nightwine will work alongside Federation’s national partner, Secure Community Network (SCN), benefitting from SCN’s national security advisors, intelligence analysts and other professionals.

In addition to strengthening physical security in the community, Federation advocates to legislators to stand up to hatred – exemplified by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signing H.B. 269 into law, of which Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) played a leading role with drafting, development and advocacy. Federation also helps to secure state and national funding to bolster security at local Jewish institutions, with $1.13 million awarded to Federation, local synagogues and Jewish organizations to support security training, equipment and resources at local centers of Jewish life in 2022.

For more information about Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, visit jewishpb.org.

More about Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County serves as the "City Hall" of the Jewish community of the Palm Beaches, impacting the local community, Israel and 70 countries around the world. Powered by the generosity, leadership and volunteerism of community members, Federation works with a network of partners and programs to address causes that affect the Jewish community at home and across the globe. Visit jewishpb.org for more.

Contact:
Belen Woods
Belen@theSBSagency.com, (561) 632-0241