The Dallas Kosher Chili Cookoff has named Shomer Texas as the 2026 charitable beneficiary of its 31st annual community event. This year’s event will be held 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday, March 15.

Shomer Texas, formerly known as Magen Am TX, is a registered nonprofit organization focused on security training and preparedness within the Jewish community in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. The organization’s stated mission is to protect Jewish life by “building a shield from within.”

Shomer Texas trains and deploys licensed, insured security personnel drawn from the local Jewish community. According to the organization, its goal is to ensure that no Jew feels the need to hide their identity, remove a mezuzah or fear walking publicly as a Jew.

The group provides community security, tactical response, volunteer training and safety education. It supports synagogues, schools, events and holiday gatherings across North Texas and works with law enforcement and other community partners.

“Security is no longer a background concern; it’s a daily reality for Jewish communities everywhere. Shomer Texas stepped forward to partner with DKCC this year with professionalism, courage and a deep sense of responsibility to protect our people. We are honored to highlight their work as this year’s DKCC charitable recipient and to help ensure they have the resources needed to continue safeguarding our community,” said Terri Schepps, president of Tiferet Israel, host of the Dallas Kosher Chili Cookoff.

Shomer Texas is seeking community support to expand its training programs and protective services. More information is available at shomertexas.org.