Jewish Leaders Encourage Congress to Increase Funding for Security Program, Introduce Jewish American Security Act

As news of the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center in San Diego was coming out, more than 400 Jewish leaders from across the country had just arrived in Washington, DC, to introduce a new bill and strongly encourage lawmakers to increase the nonprofit security grant funding to $1 billion. These funds would protect all houses of worship and faith-based institutions nationwide. 

CEO Judy Alperin was in DC to represent Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville along with colleagues across Tennessee. They met with leaders and sat in on briefings. 

“We came together to understand the rising and concerning threat environment in our country. We were reminded that while the Jewish community is particularly at risk, experiencing more than 55% of hate crimes, being just 2% of the population, this week’s horrific attack on the Islamic center in San Diego tells us that all faith communities do not enjoy what should be a basic right to live, learn and worship without fear,” Alperin said.  

Jewish Federations of North America shared that leaders from 41 states, representing 82 different communities across the country had more than 200 meetings with key Congressional leadership. The new, bipartisan Jewish American Security Act was also introduced.  

“This bill takes our priorities and translates them into actual federal policy: funding authorities, operational reforms, enforcement mechanisms, transparency requirements, and interagency and state and local coordination,” said Rachel Dembo, senior manager of government relations and engagement for JFNA. 

The bill would strengthen and streamline the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, strengthen Title VI on college campuses protections, and provide for more safety and accountability against online hate. 

Groups also lobbied for the Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption (SACRED) Act. The bill would make it a federal crime to intentionally intimidate, obstruct, or harass people exercising their right to religious worship within 100 feet of a place of worship. 

“I am proud to share that our meetings with Tennessee legislative staff were extremely supportive,” Alperin said. 

Jewish leaders are encouraging their communities to call their congress members and ask them to co-sponsor and support this legislation.