Dear Agudah Activists:
As Israel continues to fight Hamas and other terrorist groups, the threat of war with Iran now looms!
And, as Iran is the greatest sponsor of state-run terrorism, the dangers facing Jews in the U.S. and abroad are now intensified!
The House must provide emergency security assistance to Israel and for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) without delay and without unnecessary conditions that will just bog the legislation down.
We, therefore, urge you to contact your representatives right away and urge them to include within the emergency legislation (aka the “supplemental”), being considered this week in the House, at least $14 billion in aid to Israel to assist in threats from Iran and Hamas. This aid includes, among other things, funding for Iron Dome and David’s Sling– two essential missile defense systems to defend against rocket attacks. We all saw how, with Hashem’s help, these defense systems miraculously protected our brothers and sisters in Israel.
We must also urge the House to include in the supplemental funding at least $400 million to boost the current allocation for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Antisemitic incidents had already experienced a steep incline before October 7, and in the months since that time such expressions of Jew-hatred skyrocketed an unprecedented 400%. NSGP has been a valuable tool in safeguarding our shuls, yeshivas, day schools, and charitable institutions from terrorist violence. Particularly at this time of heightened danger, it is vital that NSGP be significantly increased and thereby help save lives.
The House must pass these supplemental funding levels for Israel and NSGP, utilizing the most expeditious method available to avoid further delay during these perilous times. The Senate has already approved these allocations and President Biden has indicated he will sign legislation which includes this funding..
Please contact your representatives — today! — and call on them to support the inclusion of these appropriations in the emergency funding bill that will emerge from the House.
Thank you for your help!
Rabbi Abba Cohen
Vice President for Government Affairs
Washington Director and Counsel
Rabbi Yossie Charner
Director of Congressional Relations
