A recent proposed increase in federal funding to better support the defense of Israel and Ukraine also includes boosting the budget for a program that enables faith-based organizations to better defend themselves from hate crimes.
Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) released a statement thanking U.S. President Joe Biden for “including $200 million for the life-saving Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Supplemental Funding Request for Congress.” The increase surpasses the level suggested by the organization.
Karen Paikin Barall, JFNA’s associate vice president, said: “We know from experience that when terrorists attack Israel, antisemites are emboldened to target Jews here at home.”
A fact sheet released by the White House noted the eligibility of synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship. It stated that “grant funds would pay for strengthening facility security and increase coordination between nonprofit organizations and state and local governments.”
JFNA urged Congress “to pass this critical supplemental bill as soon as possible.”
