In the News
B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin spoke to JNS about the proposed cuts to the U.S. Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps protect the American Jewish community from rising anti-Semitism.
In the current fiscal year, $305 million is available through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for “target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack.”
The current U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Bill proposal would trim that by $18 million—to $287 million. This proposal from the committee, chaired by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), president pro tempore, is drawing criticism from Jewish organizations.
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B’nai B’rith International is “deeply concerned about efforts to reduce funding for the crucial Nonprofit Security Grant Program,” Daniel Mariaschin, CEO of the nonprofit, told JNS.
“We worry for the safety of our community as antisemitism, including threats and attacks on Jewish institutions, is surging and Jews remain by far the most highly targeted religious group among hate crime victims,” he said. “We urge Congress to continue robust funding for this vital program.”