Jewish Film Festival Increases Security

"The reality in today's world is that we needed to figure out very quickly what we needed to do," said Mark Levine, board president for the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival.

• By Jessica Davis
• Oct 31, 2018

Organizers of the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival have increased security at their event following the shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday. The festival hosts have also received support from other members of the local faith community.

"The reality in today's world is that we needed to figure out very quickly what we needed to do," said Mark Levine, board president for the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival.

Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival organizers hired a private security company to provide armed, off-duty officers for their event. They also asked for volunteers willing to be an extra watchful presence at the theater.

Representatives from several churches and a mosque responded to the call for volunteers. The organizers of the festival have felt grateful for the help.

"It was extraordinary just to see the response from our different kind of communities who stepped up and are still stepping up," Festival Executive Director Tzvia Shelef said. 

This is the second time in 27 years that the film festival has boosted security in the wake of increased tension. The first time was in 2002 in light of increased turmoil in Israel.

Festival organizers said attendance has been strong despite the circumstances.

"We're seeing great numbers even after this tragedy on the weekend. People I think are actually looking to come and enjoy a little life," Shelef said.