In a time of prevalent antisemitism on college campuses, ensuring the safety of Jewish students has never been more critical. Through the Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s (TJF) Community Impact Grant Program, Virginia Tech Hillel (VT Hillel) has enhanced campus security with a new keycard access system—an essential step in protecting students, staff, and visitors.

The system provides controlled access to the building, allowing staff, student interns, and select student leaders to enter securely while preventing unauthorized entry. Staff can also manage access remotely, open doors from their phones, and communicate with visitors at the entrance from anywhere in the building. Off-duty police officers stationed outside on Friday nights now have designated keycards, reinforcing security during high-traffic times.

This investment in security reflects TJF’s ongoing commitment to building assets that support the Jewish community. By funding initiatives like this, TJF ensures that Jewish students can engage in campus life without fear, focusing on their education and community rather than their safety.

TJF’s Community Impact Grant Program empowers donors to support vital initiatives, from campus security to cultural programming and social services. To learn how you can partner with TJF to fund meaningful projects on college campuses or other areas of Jewish life, contact Naomi Limor Sedek, President & CEO of TJF, at 757-965-6109 or nsedek@tjfva.org.

Together, we can create lasting impact and a stronger, safer Jewish future.