Senate Majority Leader Calls for $1 Billion in Security Funding Amidst 300% Rise in Antisemitism

by M.C. Millman 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) proposed legislation for one billion dollars in federal support for nonprofit security needs.

His request would more than triple the present funding assigned to the annual Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which was budgeted for $305 million for the upcoming year.

 Schumer announced his proposed legislation on Monday. He also wants to increase FEMA staff to accelerate the funding process.  

"Schumer's focus here, front of mind, is JCCs, shuls, and schools, along with senior centers," Angelo Roefaro, Schumer's press secretary, said, according to Jewish Insider.

Given the 300% increase reported in antisemitism following the October 7 terrorist attacks and the outbreak of the war, Jewish nonprofits would greatly benefit from the increased funding. 

"Once again, Senator Schumer raises the bar to go to bat for the safety of the Jewish community," Reb Yoel Rosenfeld of Bobov shares with Rockland Daily. "Hopefully, there will be a bipartisan push to get it approved quickly."

President Biden also wants to add to the NSGP funding. His request for an additional $200 million to add to NSGP funding would bring the total for the 2024 NSGP to $505,000. The additional funding request is part of the emergency supplemental bill, which is currently stalled due to opposition from House Republicans, leaving one to wonder if Schumer's request for double that total in funding will succeed.

It is also unclear whether the $1 billion Schumer is requesting would double the emergency supplemental bill sent by the president or whether it would be in addition to those funds.

Last year, funding in the amount of $679 million was requested in NSGP grants. 

"Fewer than half of the people who are entitled [to the funds] got it last time," Schumer told the New York Post, "and now, after October 7, with over a 300% rise in antisemitic incidents, money is needed more than ever."

The funding is available to nonprofit organizations at risk of terrorist attacks, including shuls and yeshivas. In the past, organizations have been able to apply for exterior or interior security improvements, including lighting locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, barriers, access control, shatter-resistant glass, blast-resistant film, and public address systems. Funds also covered costs associated with security training and security guards.