Over the next several months, the committee’s members—representatives of a cross section of U.S. faith-based organizations—will discuss issues surrounding the security of these communities. The committee will develop recommendations for implementation and will deliver its final recommendations to the Department’s Homeland Security Advisory Council.

“We are pleased that Eric has been named to this important position, and we know he will be an asset to the committee,” said B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin. “Working groups such as this one are crucial to establishing policies and strategies that keep our communities safe from those who wish to do us harm.”

“This is a significant opportunity to directly influence the policies that ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community and other religious communities throughout the country,” Fusfield said. “Improving communication between Homeland Security and faith-based communities is critical in preventing hate crimes and terrorism.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano directed the creation of the advisory committee to discuss improvements to security information-sharing between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and faith-based communities. The group will also discuss how DHS can best support local security efforts to ensure the safety and security of faith-based communities, how local communities can best provide immediate feedback, and how time-sensitive threats can be efficiently disseminated.