Jewish Federations of North America released the following statement following the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee's proposed increase for Nonprofit Security Grant funding to $315 million from $300 million: 

 

"In the last 12 months, faith-based institutions from coast to coast have been targeted by acts of violence, hate, and intimidation. From attacks on houses of worship to deadly violence directed at members of religious communities, these incidents are a stark reminder that the threat facing faith communities remains real and persistent," said Eric D. Fingerhut, President and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America. "We are grateful for the support of the Committee thus far but until the Nonprofit Security Grant Program - which currently cannot cover even half of all requests - reaches $1 billion, we will not be able to adequately address these threats. We look forward to working with lawmakers throughout the appropriations process to fully fund this critical program so that Americans of all faiths can worship, learn, and gather safely." 

 

Since last summer, the Jewish community has been shaken by attacks threatening Jewish religious expression, including violent incidents against Jews and Jewish institutions in Washington, DC, Boulder, CO, Jackson, MS, and West Bloomfield, MI, to name just a few. 

 

Jewish communities are being forced to choose between programs like schools, camps, food banks, and social services to meet increased security needs while demand outpaces the federal program that Congress built to help. Proper funding ensures that all communities of faith will have access to critical security dollars, allowing all religious groups to practice freely. 

 

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides critical security enhancements to nonprofit and faith-based institutions facing threats. Over the past decade, antisemitism has increased an incredible 893%, greatly accelerated in the aftermath of the horrific Hamas attacks on October 7th. NSGP equips community institutions, both Jewish and non-Jewish, with the security infrastructure needed to keep people safe. In the Jewish community, these institutions include Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), synagogues, Jewish summer camps, Jewish day schools, and on-campus Chabad and Hillel centers, all of which face increased threats. 

 

Last month, Jewish Federations of North America brought more than 400 Jewish leaders from 82 different communities across the country to Capitol Hill to advocate for legislative action to protect our community. 

 

In over 200 meetings with key Congressional offices, they championed the landmark bipartisan Jewish American Security Act, which would authorize $1 billion in NSGP funds. It would also create a new grant that can be used for places of worship, require the Department of Education to designate an antisemitism coordinator, and lay out new regulations to combat antisemitism at colleges that receive DOE funding. Additionally, the measure would require new disclosures about how online platforms moderate and respond to antisemitic content. 

 

You can take action by contacting your elected officials through our action alert here.