As Israel’s war against Hamas progresses, we must have a heightened awareness of the increased threats to our shuls, yeshivos and other community institutions. Of course, we trust in Hashem’s protection but we also must do our part in helping to keep our families and community safe.
Agudath Israel is, therefore, urging an increase in the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to the level of $500 million. NSGP has been of vital assistance to our community in helping to provide our institutions the equipment and enhancements they need to help protect their facilities against the threat of terror. Current levels are simply too low and don’t cover even half the need. In the current environment, the program must surely be significantly increased.
We and other Jewish organizations have called upon President Biden to submit a specific request of $500 million in the forthcoming emergency appropriation package.
We are also pleased and thankful to Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), who have written to the House and Senate Appropriations Committee leadership requesting $500 million for the NSGP to help protect vulnerable religious and nonprofit facilities at high risk of terrorist attack.
Agudath Israel supports these senators’ request and we encourage you to contact your senators and representatives and urge them to likewise contact the House and Senate Appropriations Committee leadership and support the $500 million allocation for NSGP, including provisions that will ensure flexibility and rapid disbursement.
Many thanks and hatzlacha.
Rabbi Abba Cohen
Vice President for Government Affairs
Washington Director
Rabbi Yossie Charner
Director of Congressional Relations
Why is Hochul using our tax dollars to fund Students for Justice in Palestine at SUNY and CUNY??? Who cares about her Israel photo op.
Oh but our “askanim” want us to have hakarat hatov for politicians for merely existing and reading a few words off a telemprompter. No thanks.