Dear Agudah Activist:
As Israel’s war against Hamas progresses, antisemitic incidents in the United States have experienced a significant uptick, and 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.
To better meet the substantial need for enhanced security in the community, Agudath Israel and other groups have urged President Biden to include in his emergency appropriations request an increase in the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).
We are pleased and grateful that the President has responded positively by requesting for NSGP an additional $200 million to be included in the supplemental funding package currently being considered by Congress.
Agudath Israel was among the groups at the forefront of NSGP’s creation and has actively promoted its expansion and funding each year since. The program, which has provided more than a billion dollars for nonprofits in just the last seven years alone, 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.
But even with all these efforts, current NSGP levels are simply too low and don’t cover even half the need. That’s why, in the current environment, Agudath Israel continues to push for higher levels. And that’s why our regional directors continue to pursue state security funding which totaled more than $400 million made available to schools and other nonprofits this year.
We strongly encourage you to contact your senators and urge them to support a boost of at least $200 million for NSGP, including provisions that will ensure flexibility and rapid disbursement.
Thank you for your help!
Rabbi Abba Cohen
Vice President for Government Affairs
Washington Director
Rabbi Yossie Charner
Director of Congressional Relations