For Immediate Release                                                            Contact:

July 12, 2013                                                                          Roslyn Singer, 212-613-8227

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU) today expressed its appreciation to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano as she announced her resignation from the post to become president of the University of California system.

“As head of the Homeland Security Department since 2009, Secretary Napolitano has shown great leadership in building procedures to protect our nation overall and improve our disaster response capabilities. She was particularly sensitive to the needs of the American Jewish community and our concerns for the safety and security of Jewish institutions. Secretary Napolitano was instrumental in developing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which delivers federal financial aid to nonprofits to upgrade the physical security of their facilities. Since NSGP was implemented, more than $100 million in security grants has been allocated to nonprofit organizations, the majority of which are Jewish community institutions,” said Nathan Diament, OU Executive Director for Public Policy. “We wish Secretary Napolitano much success in her future role as president of the University of California system.”

Leadership of the Orthodox Union presented U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano with an award of appreciation during a meeting with the Secretary in August 2012.

Pictured (l to r): Nathan Diament, OU Executive Director for Public Policy; Dr. Simcha Katz, OU Past President; Stephen Savitsky, OU Chairman of the Board; Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security.