Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, applauded the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Homeland Security for approving a proposal to increase the funding allocation for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to $25 million for Fiscal Year 2016.
The Orthodox Union was among the groups that spearheaded the creation of the NSGP in 2005 to assist synagogues, day schools and other nonprofits in the Jewish community and beyond to make their buildings more secure in the face of possible attacks. The NSGP has delivered more than $130 million to Jewish community institutions since its inception. In recent years, the annual funding level for the NSGP has been decreased; this year it was funded at $13 million.
Nathan Diament, Orthodox Union executive director for public policy, issued the following statement:
“The Jewish community expresses its deep appreciation to the Senators who approved the funding increase for protecting America’s nonprofits, and particularly those in the Jewish community. We have seen a disturbing rise in threats and attacks on community institutions and, when finalized, the funds provided under the NSGP will not only keep our community safer, but they will also be a statement of solidarity and support in the face of such threats.”