The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America and Jewish Federations of North America welcomed the awarding of federal security grants by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). New Jersey grants totalling $8,684,930 were given throughout the state, including to Agudas Yisroel of Passaic, Community Synagogue of Tenafly and Englewood (Kehilat Kesher), Ahavath Torah of Englewood, Bnai Yeshurun of Teaneck, Kehillas Beis Sholom of Clifton, Jewish Family Service & Children’s Center of Clifton-Passaic, Yeshivat He’Atid of Teaneck and Congregation Keter Torah of Teaneck.

“These awards are important news for nonprofits across New Jersey. Unfortunately, the rise in hate has made these grants necessary,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). “Too many communities in North Jersey remain a target for people who would seek to do harm because of someone’s beliefs. I have pushed my colleagues for nearly a decade to increase funds for this program. Thankfully, our calls are finally getting heeded and New Jerseyans are taking advantage,” he added.

DHS announced the awards of $60 million under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)—whose creation was spearheaded by the Orthodox Union, the Jewish Federations of North America and other coalition partners. The grants are made to nonprofits—including synagogues, schools and community centers—deemed to be at risk of attack and to harden their facility security.

“The $60 million funding level is the highest for this program since its inception. While we wish this program were not necessary, we are grateful for the work of DHS and the support of key legislators to provide the needed security resources,” said Nathan Diament, executive director of the OU Advocacy Center, and William Daroff, senior vice president for public policy of JFNA, in a joint statement.

By JLNJ Staff