Posted on 03/04/22
| News Source: CBS Baltimore WJZ
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen and religious leaders on Friday called for the doubling of federal funds to provide security grants to houses of worship and nonprofits, saying the federal government’s allotment does not meet demand.
Van Hollen noted there were recent bomb threats at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the state, and said the grants provide extra security for nonprofits and houses of worship that are likely to be targets.
Speaking outside the Kemp Mill Synagogue in Silver Spring, Van Hollen pointed fences and barriers that had been installed.
“It is a sad sign of the times that we have to be protecting places of worship, but it is a reality of the times,” he said.
Established in 2016, the Department of Homeland Security grant program started with $20 million. Between 2020 and 2021, funding doubled from $90 million to $180 million, but Van Hollen said the number of requests is close to $400 million.
Nathan Diament, executive director of the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, an advocacy group representing more than 1,000 synagogues, said that in the face of violent attacks at churches, synagogues, mosques and temples, the grants are essential.
“My organization and others are really urging Congress deliver what is necessary in these in these critical times to the Jewish community and faith communities,” he said.