Local Jewish Organizations Get Nearly $450,000 To Upgrade Security

Congresswoman Kathleen Rice announced on Thursday that the Department of Homeland Security awarded nearly $450,000 for security enhancements to six local Jewish organizations.

The money is intended to increase security at the buildings that are at a high risk of a terrorist attack. Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre, the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, Kulanu Academy in Cedarhurst and the Young Israel of Woodmere were each awarded $75,000 in funds, and Kehilas Bais Yehudah Tzvi in Cedarhurst was awarded $74,800.

"At a time when acts of anti-Semitism have dramatically increased in the U.S. and the threat of terrorism continues to evolve, one of the most effective things we can do is to help potential targets enhance their security and emergency response capabilities and prepare for worst case scenarios," said Rice, a Democrat from Garden City. "I’m pleased that we secured this funding to help enhance security measures at Jewish nonprofits in our district, and I’ll continue working to ensure that all of our communities have the resources and support they need to keep people safe."

"We are thrilled to receive the grant," said Rabbi Marc A. Gruber of Central Synagogue Beth Emeth. "Especially in these troubled times, it will help keep the people coming to our synagogue feel more secure in their home away from home."

This is not the first time Rice has helped secure funding for local Jewish organizations. Last year, Rice helped get nearly $575,000 in funds for eight Jewish nonprofit organizations: Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, the Merrick Jewish Centre, Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett, Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, and Young Israel of Oceanside.

"We live in a very scary age, and so it is a priority of mine to fight to ensure that synagogues and other religious institutions are protected," said State Senator Todd Kaminsky, who represents the area. "I am happy that local facilities will benefit from this grant and I thank Congresswoman Rice for her fantastic advocacy on behalf of Long Island."

Photo: Patch