|
October 11, 2004
Union
of Orthodox Jewish Congregations Hails
Congress for Providing Funds
to Secure Non-Profits
at Risk of Terrorist Attacks;
Synagogues and Others
to be Aided
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 Congress for
approving, in the context of the homeland security appropriations
bill, the establishment of a $25 million fund for making 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
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 Tunisa.
While stand alone legislation (S.2275) to address this concern has
been passed by committees 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 Arlen Specter (R-PA)
and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) to develop an approach which would
address this critical need through the appropriations process.
With the assistance of Senate Majority Leader Frist (R-TN) as well
as Senators Cochran (R-MS) and Daschle (D-SD), a provision for
federal security grants to at-risk non-profits was added to the
appropriations bill during the Senate’s consideration last month.
Intensive work with House Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) and
Senators Frist and Specter resulted in the final “conference
report” of the appropriations bill, which was passed by the House
last week and the Senate today, providing $25 million “for
assistance to organizations as described under section 501(c)(3)
[of the tax Code]…as determined by the Secretary of Homeland
Security to be at high-risk of international terrorist attack.”
Under the terms of this bill, these grants will be available to
improve the security at any nonprofit - religious or secular -
deemed by objective criteria to be at risk of terrorist attack.
UOJCA President Harvey Blitz stated, in reaction to the
legislation’s passage that “the American Jewish community deeply
appreciates Congress’ recognition of the current security
challenges confronting our community’s institutions, including
synagogues and schools alongside other non-profits, and Congress’
willingness to devote real resources to helping our community be
more secure in the face of threats.” UOJCA Director of Public
Policy Nathan Diament stated: “Our community owes a special thanks
to the entire U.S. Congress, but particularly Congressman Cantor
and Senators Frist, Specter and Mikulski who were critical to
ensuring this provision remained in the final version of the
appropriations bill.”
###
|
