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September 10, 2004
Union
Of Orthodox Jewish Congregations Hails Senate Adoption Of Funds To
Secure At-Risk Non-Profits
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of
America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella
organization representing nearly 1,000 synagogues – applauded the
United States Senate for today approving an amendment to the
homeland security appropriations bill which will provide $50
million for grants to at-risk non-profit institutions to improve
their physical security in the face of terrorist threats.
One year ago, the UOJCA joined with a coalition of America’s
leading non-profit organizations (including, among others, United
Jewish Communities, American Jewish Congress, the Red Cross and
the United Way) and members of the U.S. Congress to develop and
introduce legislation which would provide financial aid to
non-profit institutions at risk of terrorist attack. The risk to
such institutions since 9/11 is clear. Former CIA Director Tenet
and FBI Director Mueller have publicly stated that al Qaeda has
turned its focus to “soft targets” such as schools, universities
and houses of worship. Of particular concern to the UOJCA, are the
deadly attacks upon synagogues which have been perpetrated in
Istanbul and Tunisia.
While stand alone legislation (S.2275) to address this concern has
been introduced and passed committee’s in both the Senate and
House, the UOJCA and its coalition partners were concerned that
this critical need would not be addressed prior to Congress’
adjournment. Thus, the coalition worked intensively with Senators
Specter (R-PA) and Mikulski (D-MD) to develop an approach which
would address this critical need through the appropriations
process. Thus, an amendment was introduced and accepted this
morning by unanimous consent appropriating $50 million for grants
to secure at-risk non-profits. The amendment’s principal sponsors
were Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and
Senate Majority Leader Frist (R-TN) as well as Senators Baucus
(D-MT), Cochran (R-MS) and Daschle (D-SD) played critical roles in
securing the adoption of this amendment. Senators Clinton (D-NY),
Schumer (D-NY), Santorum (R-PA) and Brownback (R-KS) also played
key roles in this process.
UOJCA President Harvey Blitz stated, in reaction to the
amendment’s adoption that “the American Jewish community deeply
appreciates the Senate’s recognition of the current security
challenges confronting our community’s institutions, including
synagogues and schools alongside other non-profits, and the
Senate’s willingness to devote real resources to helping our
community be more secure in the face of possible threats.”
UOJCA Director of Public Policy Nathan Diament stated: “Our
community owes a special thanks to the entire U.S. Senate, but
particularly Senators Frist, Daschle, Specter, Mikulski, Santorum,
Baucus, Cochran, Clinton, Brownback and Schumer.
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