Washington, D.C. — Today, The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, welcomed the proposal of $400 million in emergency funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in the bipartisan national security supplemental spending bill proposed in the Senate.

In the wake of October 7, unprecedented antisemitism left American Jewish communities in need of crucial resources to protect themselves. The $400 million proposed for the NSGP program in this emergency supplemental comes in addition to the $315 million allocated last year for the program. These funds will ensure Jewish Americans can continue living freely and safely in the face of a 388% increase in antisemitic incidents year over year. 

The Orthodox Union additionally applauds the $10.6 billion proposed to support Israel in its battle against Hamas. The bipartisan support received by Israel since Hamas’ brutal attack on innocent civilians is greatly appreciated by Jewish communities across America. 

Additionally, the Orthodox Union welcomes the proposal by Speaker of the House Johnson of a standalone Israel aid bill and his announced intention to have the House vote on it this week.  The Speaker’s proposal would allocate $17.6 billion in aid to Israel.  The Orthodox Union urges the House to pass this legislation. We look forward to a rapid negotiation between the House and Senate to finalize the package.

Orthodox Union Executive Director of Public Policy, Nathan Diament, said: 

“The Orthodox Union appreciates the Senate’s continued bipartisan support for Israel and its unalienable right to self-defense. We applaud its concerted effort to support the security of the American Jewish community through an additional $400 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. American Jews should not have to pay a premium to practice our faith. The NSGP will help Jewish schools and synagogues protect their communities in a time of unprecedented antisemitism and violence. We urge the Senate and the House to pass their respective bills this week and then rapidly enact a final package and send it to the President for his signature.”

Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer said: 

“The past four months have been unspeakably difficult for the Jewish community, which has been literally under attack in Israel and around the world. During this very dark period, the strong bipartisan support provided by the United States Congress both to the State of Israel and to the American Jewish community has been a critical lifeline. It is hopeful and comforting to see both parties continue that commitment as they jointly advance these concrete and essential measures to support Israel and our community.”