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October 7, 2005
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.
Two years 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.
The Homeland Security Appropriation Conference Report passed by
the Senate, and yesterday by the House, continues the $25
million grant program for at-risk non-profits which was begun
last year. The coalition again worked intensively with Senators
Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and again had
the support of Senate Appropriations Chairman Cochran (R-MS),
House Appropriations Chairman Rep. Harold Rogers (R-Ky) and the
important assistance of House Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor
(R-VA). In a change from last year’s appropriation which
delegated the awards of these grants to state officials, this
year’s bill rests the grantmaking process with the Secretary of
Homeland Security. 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 Steve Savitsky 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
Senators Specter, Mikulski & Cochran and Reps. Rogers and Cantor
who were critical to ensuring this provision was contained in
the appropriations bill.”
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