FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNION OF ORTHODOX JEWISH CONGREGATIONS WELCOMES APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCLUSION OF FUNDS TO PROTECT HIGH-RISK NON-PROFITS FROM TERRORIST ATTACKS

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, welcomed the U.S. Congress’ passage and President Bush’s signature yesterday of the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which contains a provision providing the Department of Homeland Security with $15 million for grants to non-profits at risk of terrorist attacks to improve their physical security. The provision is a result of the leadership of Senators
Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), with whom the UOJCA worked in partnership with a coalition of non-profit groups led by United Jewish Communities.

This appropriation continues a program initiated in the wake of the 9/11/2001 attacks which has allocated $50 million already to such grants over the past few years.

Nathan Diament, director of public policy for the Union stated:

The Orthodox Jewish community greatly appreciates the leadership of Senators Mikulski and Specter to obtain continuing support for the security of our community’s at-risk institutions among many non-profit entities which require aid for security. Non-profit institutions benefit from these grants and we appreciate the continuing work with DHS to process these grants so they can protect members of our community and others as well.

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