For Immediate Release  

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022  

Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, or Orthodox Union (OU) – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – welcomed the inclusion of the just-released Omnibus federal spending package, which includes $305 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Congressional leaders and appropriators released the massive spending package for the 2023 federal fiscal year today. 

In 2004, the Orthodox Union helped create the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to provide federal funds for security improvements to nonprofits, including synagogues, churches, mosques and other houses of worship.  

In 2022, the allocation for the NSGP was $250 million, satisfying just 46 percent of requests for security needs. The increase to $305 million is necessary given the disturbing rise in antisemitism nationwide.   

Orthodox Union President Mark (Moshe) Bane stated: 

“Last week, we convened an urgent meeting of community leaders and policymakers in New York City to discuss responding to the surge in antisemitism. A concrete step that was discussed was boosting NSGP funding to $305 million. We are grateful that step has been taken this week in the Omnibus.” 

Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer stated: 

“This critical timing of the omnibus passage comes at a time of rising antisemitism for the American Jewish community. This makes today’s decision by the Senate to fully fund the NSGP at $305 million very important. We appreciate that our elected leaders recognize the importance of providing our communities with the resources to fight antisemitism.” 

Orthodox Union Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament stated: 

“We are grateful to Sen. Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other key leaders for working with us to increase funding for the NSGP from $250 million in 2022 to $305 million in 2023. The increased funding will help Jewish communities protect their facilities and members from increasing antisemitic violence. We will never stop working and fighting to make sure Jewish families can practice their faith openly and safely. We extend our thanks to Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Reps. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) and Michael McCaul (R-Texas).”