The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America — the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization — applauded Senator Chuck Schumer’s announcement of a proposal to quadruple the funding level for the federal government’s security grants to synagogues and other houses of worship and nonprofit organizations.
Orthodox Union Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament, participated with Sen. Schumer and other faith community leaders in the press conference announcing the proposal.
At the midtown Manhattan press conference, Diament stated: “More than a decade ago, we at the Orthodox Union worked with Sen. Schumer and other Congressional allies and coalition partners to create the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. We did so out of a sense of concern and an abundance of caution. But we did not envision the nightmare the Jewish community is living through today. Jews have been assaulted on the streets of Brooklyn, murdered in a kosher grocery in Jersey City, and attacked in a home during a Chanukah party.
In the face of this and more, we are thankful for Sen. Schumer’s leadership and applaud his bold proposal to quadruple the federal government’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program to $360 million. When enacted and disbursed, these funds will make people in our community more secure; these resources will save lives.”
Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane stated: “The Orthodox Union is committed to doing everything we can to keep our shuls, schools, and community members safe. We must ensure that all Americans of all faiths feel safe when they enter their places of worship.”
Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Allen Fagin stated: “We applaud Sen. Schumer and other officials who realize the time for statements alone in response to terrible attacks is over. It’s time for action.”
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by the US Dept. of Homeland Security, provides grants of up to $100,000 apiece to synagogues and other houses of worship as well as parochial day schools and other nonprofits at risk of terror attacks. The funds can be used for security improvements to buildings and to hire security guards. At the urging of the Orthodox Union and with the support of Sen. Schumer and others, Congress just approved a 50 percent increase to the program, funding it at $90 million for 2020. This latest allocation brings the total funding for the program since its start to $419 million.
Supervisor Clavin, Town Council Take Aim at Anti-Semitism
In an effort to enhance the Town of Hempstead’s strong stance against anti-Semitism, hatred, and bias in its communities, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Anti-Semitism. Adopting the IHRA’s internationally recognized definition of anti-Semitism boosts the Town of Hempstead’s ability to educate the community and take action on acts of anti-Semitism.
Clavin and the Council Members worked with AJC Long Island, a chapter of a global advocacy organization that works to connect with communities and enhance the well-being of Jewish people and Israel, while supporting democratic values and human rights for all. According to a recent report published by AJC, while 9 out of every 10 American Jews believe anti-Semitism is a problem in the U.S., 6 out of 10 in the general public believe it’s a problem, and 50 percent of the general public doesn’t know what the term anti-Semitism means.
“We’re proud to partner with AJC Long Island to craft and adopt a resolution that demonstrates how America’s largest township is at the forefront in the fight against anti-Semitism,” Supervisor Clavin said. “The unfortunate reality is that anti-Semitism is still an evil scourge that exists within our nation and across the world. In a township as diverse as Hempstead Town, it is critical that we join together across our faiths to reject all forms of hatred and bias, and we stand together with the Jewish community to combat anti-Semitism.”
“The existence of anti-Semitism and symbols of hate and bias in all forms are unacceptable in the Town of Hempstead,” Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby said. “Here in America’s largest township, we pride ourselves on the diversity and strength of all communities, across all faiths, and I’m proud to stand with my Town Board colleagues on this important resolution aimed at combating anti-Semitism in our communities.”
In 2019, there were over 2,100 hate crimes reported against Jewish people in the United States, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which was the highest total since the organization began releasing the data over 40 years ago.
“The disturbing rise in anti-Semitism seen across the Town of Hempstead and throughout the nation cannot go unanswered,” said Councilman Bruce Blakeman. “I am happy to join with Supervisor Clavin, my Town Board colleagues, and AJC Long Island to reaffirm our community’s unwavering support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.”
“Acts of hatred and bigotry have no place in our community, and I am proud to support the Town of Hempstead’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism,” said Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. “We will continue to stand with our Jewish friends and neighbors in speaking out against anti-Semitism throughout America’s largest township.”
The main description of the newly adopted working definition is that “Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions, and religious facilities.” The IHRA definition also includes a series of illustrations and examples for elected officials, community leaders, and residents to be aware of and to consider when identifying acts of antisemitism in their neighborhoods.
Some of the illustrations include:
- “Manifestations that might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity.”
- “Anti-Semitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for ‘why things go wrong.’”
- A series of “Contemporary examples of anti-Semitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context.”
“I thank Eric Post and AJC Long Island, as well as my colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board for their collaboration in crafting and approving this important resolution,” Clavin said. “This is an important step in the Town of Hempstead’s ongoing fight against anti-Semitism, and we will continue to stand with Jewish neighbors against hatred and bias.”
