Slotkin called for increasing annual funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program from approximately $300 million to $1 billion.
By Shula Rosen
Sen. Elissa Slotkin is urging Congress to more than triple federal funding for a program that helps protect Jewish schools, synagogues and community centers, saying rising antisemitism has made additional security resources urgently necessary.
Speaking in Washington, Slotkin called for increasing annual funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program from approximately $300 million to $1 billion.
The program provides grants to houses of worship, schools and nonprofit organizations for security enhancements, including surveillance cameras, reinforced barriers, alarm systems and other protective measures.
Slotkin, whose Michigan synagogue was attacked earlier this year, said the United States must do more to safeguard Jewish communities as threats against Jewish institutions continue.
“We need to be surging to the threat,” she said.
The proposal has drawn bipartisan support from lawmakers and is backed by several Jewish organizations, including the Orthodox Union, which has argued that current funding levels are insufficient to address growing security needs at Jewish institutions nationwide.
Supporters of the funding increase say the additional resources would allow thousands of synagogues, schools and community centers to strengthen physical security, providing safer environments for worship, education and community activities.
In addition to seeking expanded grant funding, Slotkin and other lawmakers are supporting the Jewish American Security Act, legislation aimed at addressing rising antisemitism through additional protections for students, improved security coordination and greater accountability for hate speech on social media.
Slotkin said the increased investment reflects the heightened risks facing Jewish communities across the country following a rise in antisemitic incidents and attacks targeting Jewish institutions.
Advocates of the proposal argue that demand for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program has outpaced available funding as more organizations seek assistance to install security infrastructure and hire private security personnel.
The proposed increase would raise annual funding for the program to $1 billion, a level supporters say is necessary to help vulnerable faith-based institutions and community organizations respond to persistent security threats.
They argue the expanded funding would help ensure Jewish families can gather, pray and study in safer facilities while strengthening protection for nonprofit organizations facing elevated risks.
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