Record Security Dollars Awarded to Jewish Organizations for 2021

Jewish Federation was instrumental in the process by which 13 Jewish organizations in Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties have been granted a total of approximately $2 million to enhance security against threats including antisemitic hate crimes. 

Part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the funds are the largest received in a single year, collectively, by Jewish institutions in the heart of NJ area. The 13 grants represent more than 15 percent of 2021 NSGP grants to churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious institutions in the state of NJ. 

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey’s Security Initiatives works with synagogues and Jewish organizations in assessing security needs and optimizing security grant applications, as well as in planning and implementing security enhancements after a grant is awarded.

In addition, Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ was instrumental in successfully advocating with Federal lawmakers to increase 2021 funding for the NSGP, which nearly doubled the value of awards per recipient this year.  

"The grant provides funding, to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attacks, for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities. This includes access control, surveillance systems, security personnel, planning, training, and this year as a result of our advocacy – public address systems,” said Amy Keller, Jewish Federation’s Director of Security Initiatives.

“Federation’s Security Initiatives are about safeguarding Jewish gathering places against anyone who seeks to do harm,” added Susan Antman, Executive Director. “We are strengthening the entire Jewish community, both today and for tomorrow,” 

“After two previous unsuccessful attempts at applying for the grant, we made it a point to engage help from Federation, and there is no question that the knowledge and expertise their security director, Amy Keller, shared made all the difference,” said Josh Ostrin, President of a congregation in Highland Park. “I appreciate the help we received from Federation, all of the untold hours Amy spent counseling and guiding us though the grant writing process.”   

“Thank you for all your help. We could not have gotten through this without your time and support,” added  a representative of a congregation in Howell. 

“We are grateful to our elected leaders and Homeland Security in Washington for their continued support of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program,” Antman continued. “Coupled with the support from local, regional, and Federal law enforcement, we are cultivating strong partnerships to push back on the effects of hate and ensure people of all faiths may worship and practice their traditions in peace.”

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