Meng Announces $450,000 In Federal Funds To Help Queens Jewish Facilities Improve Security

Funding to aid borough synagogues, organizations and schools with protecting their properties against threats and attacks

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced recently that a total of $450,000 in federal funding for security improvements has been awarded to several Jewish facilities throughout Queens.

The funds, allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), provides nonprofit organizations with funding for target-hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities. In order to qualify for NSGP funds, nonprofits must face a high risk of a terrorist attack.

Each Queens facility receiving funds was awarded the maximum grant amount of $75,000. One of the institutions included the Beth Gavriel Bukharian Congregation in Forest Hills.

“With anti-Semitic incidents on the rise, it is critical that Jewish institutions have appropriate resources to protect their properties, and this funding will go a long way towards helping these Queens facilities guard against threats and attacks,” said Meng. “The safety and security of students, organization members and congregation members must be the top priority of any school, organization or synagogue. I am pleased that our borough is receiving its fair share of these critical and very competitive federal grants.”

Funding from NSGP grants can be used for such items as physical barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment and other security measures.

In appropriations legislation passed this month, Meng, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, helped secure an increase in funding for the NSGP initiative, doubling the amount from $25 million in fiscal year 2017 to $50 million for fiscal year 2018.