Faith-Based Organizations Get Federal Security Funding

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Rep. Kathleen Rice announced on Monday that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded $1.3 million for security enhancements to faith-based organizations in New York's Fourth Congressional District. The money is for security enhancements at non-profit organizations that are at a higher risk of a terrorist attack, many of which are Jewish organizations.

“This past year, we have seen an alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents in New York and across the country. And it hasn’t stopped even during this pandemic, when Jews have been faced with hateful conspiracy theories accusing them of spreading the virus” said Rice. “We must respond to this threat by protecting potential targets in our community. This federal funding will provide several faith-based organizations with the ability to enhance their security and emergency response capabilities. I was proud to help secure these grants, and I will continue to fight in Congress for the resources and federal support our communities need to remain safe.”

• Bais Medrash of Harborview (Lawrence): $80,000
• Chabad Lubavitch of the Beaches (Atlantic, Long, Lido): $99,871
• Chabad of the Five Towns (Cedarhurst): $100,000
• Chabad of West Hempstead: $100,000
• Congregation Bais Ephraim (Woodmere): $100,000
• Congregation Beth Tikvah (Wantagh): $100,000
• Congregation Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park: $100,000
• Lido Beach Synagogue: $100,000
• Oceanside Lutheran Church: $22,600
• Temple Bnai Torah A Reform Congregation (Wantagh): $99,000
• Temple Hillel Southside Jewish Center (Valley Stream): $100,000
• Temple Zion Atlantic & Long Beach Jewish Center: $99,015
• Yismach Moshe (Woodmere): $100,000
• Young Israel of Oceanside: $100,000

“The significance of these grants in providing safety to citizens as they exercise the right to freedom of religion cannot be understated,” said Rabbi Eli Biegeleisen of the Lido Beach Synagogue. “No American should have to be afraid of acts of hate or terror in public gatherings. These funds help secure our houses of worship from becoming easy targets. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Congresswoman Rice, her colleagues in the federal delegation, and her staff in providing these much-needed funds.”

Over the last five years, dozens of faith-based organizations in the district have received millions of dollars in federal funding for security.