Federal funds go to local Jewish institutions
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Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng announced $1.6 million in federal funding that will go toward security improvements at 16 synagogues and Jewish educational institutions throughout Queens.
The funds are allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program, an initiative that provides houses of worship and nonprofit entities with aid to protect their properties against threats and attacks. Grants are administered by the FEMA, and cover physical security enhancements such as target-hardening, barriers, gates, safety gear and surveillance equipment.
“Following the increase in hate crimes and anti-Semitic incidents, it is vital that Jewish facilities have the resources they need to protect themselves, and these critical funds will be a huge help in guarding against attacks here in Queens,” said Meng, who is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.
The congresswoman says that after the attack on a synagogue in Monsey last December, she encouraged local Jewish facilities to apply for Nonprofit Security Grants. In January, Rep. Meng hosted a workshop for houses of worship and nonprofits in Queens in order to educate them on the program. Another event was help in Kew Gardens prior to this year’s March application deadline.
“We cannot let our guard down for a moment,” warned Meng. “Safety and security must continue to be the number one priority.”
The following local institutions, many located in Forest Hills and its surrounding neighborhoods, were awarded the maximum grant amount of $100,000:
- Reform Temple of Forest Hills
- Young Israel of Hillcrest
- Rabbinical Seminary of America in Kew Gardens Hills
- Young Israel of Queens Valley in Kew Gardens Hills
- Torah Center of Hillcrest
- Forest Hills Jewish Center
- Jewish Center of Forest Hills West in Middle Village
- Shaarey Bnos Chayil Institute in Kew Gardens Hills
- Congregation Ohr Menachem in Forest Hills
- Utopia Jewish Center in Fresh Meadows
- Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills
- Touro College in Forest Hills
- United Talmudical Seminary in Glendale
- Jewish Institute of Queens in Elmhurst
- Bais Yaakov Academy for Girls in Kew Gardens
- Yeshiva of Central Queens in Kew Gardens Hills
