We are still in shock from the events in Israel over the last few days. Our hearts go out to all those affected and are working on many fronts to help but want to take the opportunity to thank our elected officials who issued strong statements condemning Hamas. We particularly want to thank Governor Gavin Newsom and the California State Legislature for enacting a bill allowing expanded uses of the California Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP). The grant provided funding to individual nonprofit organizations to increase their safety and security features, such as bulletproof windows and doors, better access control systems, and other “target hardening” methods.
Until now, each nonprofit was working on its own. Agudah’s California Office recognized the need for a unified security network to further protect our institutions and advocated strongly for the wording of the bill to allow for such a network to be created.
Thanks to the new bill, the program will now allow funds to be used for community infrastructure, such as monitoring, response, and mass notification systems, as well as emergency lifesaving equipment.
In May, Rabbi Yaakov Subar, director of Agudah’s California Office, testified in support of increasing the funding for and allowed uses of the Grant. In his testimony, Rabbi Subar cited the rise of antisemitic and hate crimes in California, including a synagogue shooting just blocks from his home, showing the dire necessity of increased security funding for the Jewish community.
“Passing this bill shows that the Governor and the Legislature are in touch with the reality many communities face. This is one more step towards providing the peace of mind and security that all citizens deserve,” said Rabbi Subar. “We appreciated working with Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and the Legislative Jewish Caucus, who led this charge, and thank them for their efforts.”