Six prominent Jewish organizations across the US are urging synagogues and Jewish institutions to pursue federal security grants, despite a new condition established by the Trump administration requiring institutions to pledge support for federal immigration enforcement policy in exchange.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the organizations stressed that accepting the grants does not necessitate compromising religious values. "We are aware that questions have emerged from certain religious institutions concerning the criteria," they stated, "We strongly encourage all eligible institutions to apply for this essential resource."
The organizations additionally indicated that they "maintain ongoing communication with administration officials who have affirmed their commitment to safeguarding the security of all religious and Jewish institutions, along with the values they embody."
As noted, some synagogues and other Jewish organizations have declared they will not file applications this year, due to the administration's stipulation – a move that generated fierce resistance within the US Jewish community.
The statement was issued by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and three Jewish security organizations: Secure Community Network, Community Security Initiative NY, and Community Security Service.
The grant program operates under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security, and represents the primary funding source for safeguarding houses of worship, nonprofits, and other institutions against terrorism and hate-motivated violence.
The program commenced in 2004 and grew following the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. The program's funding has risen, and this year $274 million is accessible, given the dramatic increase in antisemitism cases.
Concurrently, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs contacted the Trump administration last week, requesting clarification of the program's requirements. However, it also advised that synagogues and Jewish institutions file applications regardless, while stressing that submitting an application does not necessitate actually accepting the funding.
