Federal grants, which Meng helped to fund, will assist 11 local synagogues, schools and nonprofits with protecting their properties against threats and attacks
US Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), New York’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee – which funds the activities of the federal government – announced Tuesday that nearly $1.7 million in federal funding for security improvements has been awarded to 11 Jewish facilities in Queens.
The money is allocated through the US Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It provides houses of worship and nonprofit entities with federal funds to enhance the safety and security of their properties so that they can guard against threats and attacks. The funds cover target-hardening and other physical security enhancements such as barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment, and other safety measures.
Queens facilities receiving the funds include local synagogues, educational institutions, and other nonprofits, and all obtained the maximum grant amount of $150,000. They include:
- B’Above Worldwide Institute in Elmhurst
- Chabad Lubavitch Community Center of Northeast Queens in Bayside
- Congregation Etz Hayim at Hollis Hills Bayside in Hollis Hills
- Jewish Institute of Queens in Elmhurst
- Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim in Kew Gardens Hills
- Queens Jewish Center and Talmud Torah in Forest Hills
- Utopia Jewish Center in Fresh Meadows
- Yeshiva Ketana of Queens in Kew Gardens Hills
- Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe in Kew Gardens
- Young Israel of Hillcrest
- Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills
In December, Meng announced that she helped secure an unprecedented $305 million for this year’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, an increase of $55 million from the amount she helped obtain last year.
“The safety and security of my constituents will always be my number one priority, and this funding from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program will provide local synagogues, schools, and other nonprofits with more protection as our efforts to combat the increase in hate and anti-Semitism continues,” said Congresswoman Meng. “I’m proud to have again championed this crucial funding, and I will continue fighting for money to help improve safety in our borough.”
Earlier this year, the Congresswoman encouraged local houses of worship and nonprofit organizations to seek funding from the program, after she held a workshop in February to help them learn more about the initiative, and how they can obtain money.
