New York, NY – The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (“OU”), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, has commended the commitment to protecting nonpublic schools, houses of worship, and non-profits, which several of New Jersey’s elected officials have demonstrated in the dramatic wake of rising antisemitic attacks and other acts of domestic terror.
At the New Jersey state level, Assemblyman Gary Schaer has taken the lead in voicing the need for increased protection at nonpublic schools and non-profit organizations. The assemblyman has called for an increase in the state’s Nonpublic School Security Program from $150 to $250 per pupil and an increase in the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program from $1 million to $10 million.
At the federal level, Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker have called for a four-fold increase in the federally funded Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is currently set at $90 million.
“Nonpublic schools, houses of worship and nonprofit organizations are facing safety threats that are unprecedented in our lifetime,” said Allen Fagin, the OU’s Executive Vice President. “We are fortunate that Assemblyman Schaer, along with Senators Booker and Menendez, agree that such threats are unacceptable in a democracy that depends on tolerance and respect for peoples’ differences.”
Moishe Bane, President of the OU, added: “If people can’t feel safe in schools, houses of worship and community-based nonprofits, there is a deep problem in society that we must address immediately. By acting to secure our institutions, our leaders in New Jersey are demonstrating belief in the core principle that government’s paramount obligation, at all levels, is to protect its citizens.”
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union, (OU), serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs. For more information, visit https://www.ou.org/.