Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations Applauds $20 Million \in Homeland Security Funds by Senate to Protect Nonprofits Across America

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, applauds the $20 million in homeland security funds by the Senate today as part of the DHS appropriations bill to protect at-risk nonprofits across America. The combined efforts of the Union in partnership with a coalition of non-profit groups led by United Jewish Communities pressed for this funding. The effort in the Senate was spearheaded by Senator Barbara Mikulski.

As with similar funding last year, this federal funding would go to the Homeland Security Department’s Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness to distribute to high-risk non-profit organizations. The non-profits will use the federal funds for much needed physical security enhancements within and around their facilities. Of the $50 million distributed to nonprofits across 18 states in recent years has been used to install necessary security barriers and surveillance cameras; a significant portion of the funds were granted to synagogues – a class of entities which have been attacked overseas and threatened within the United States.

Nathan J. Diament, public policy director for the UOJCA stated:

The Senate recognizes the vulnerability of at risk non profits, and has responded by appropriating crucial resources to help them – including the Jewish community – adapt to the current security challenges confronting our institutions, including synagogues and schools alongside other non-profits. The funds make our community more secure. We are very grateful to Senator Mikulski as well as Senator Specter for their efforts.