$15 Million in Security Grants Awarded by Dpt. of Homeland Security to Nonprofits, Including Jewish Institutions

The Orthodox Union, through its Institute for Public Affairs, applauded the awarding of $15 million in security grants to nonprofits, including many Jewish institutions, by the Department of Homeland Security. The awards, announced today, are an important tool to help prevent terrorist attacks and protect civilians in case of such attack.The Orthodox Union has worked since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 with other key partners in the Jewish community, including United Jewish Communities, Jewish federations and concerned elected officials initially to create and now to continue and strengthen the nonprofit grants program. To date, the program, part of DHS’s Urban Area Security Initiative has provided approximately sixty-five million dollars to vulnerable nonprofits, including many in the Jewish community. This year, for the first time, the Obama Administration included the program in their proposed budget. The program awards are risk based on the likelihood of a terrorist attack and/or the targets symbolic or historic value.

Stephen Savitsky, President of the Orthodox Union said: “We have sadly been reminded twice in recent weeks that Jewish synagogues and institutions are high profile targets for terrorist attack that at the same time lack the resources needed to secure their buildings and those who pray and study within them. We are grateful to the Obama Administration, Secretary Napolitano and the Department of Homeland Security for recognizing these needs and for this much needed aid to synagogues and other Jewish organizations. As well, we are proud that the OU, through our Institute for Public Affairs and Department of Synagogue Services, played a key role in the appropriation and distribution of these funds.”

Nathan J. Diament, OU Director of Public Policy stated: “The Orthodox Union deeply appreciates the assistance our community will receive to keep our members safe. In addition to DHS staff and the administration, we are grateful to the Members of Congress who pressed for this program, even in a difficult budget year, and in particular, to Senators Mikulski, Specter, Byrd and Cochran as well as Representatives Price, Cantor, Lowey, Serrano and Rogers.”

{Elisha Ferber-Matzav.com Newscenter}