Congressman Dan Goldman Uses Appropriations Process to Combat Rise in Antisemitism
Announces Security Grants to Protect Places of Worship
Funding for Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Would Help Ensure Safety and Security of Jewish Communities Around the World
Antisemitic Incidents Increased by 36 Percent in 2022, Highest Levels Since 1979
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined congressional colleagues in using the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process to combat the historic rise in antisemitism. Goldman requested $2 million in the FY 2024 budget for the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism. He also requested $360 million for the Nonprofit Security Grants Program to provide funding forhouses of worship, religious schools, and other nonprofit organizations to invest in security enhancements. The 2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, found a 36 percent increase in antisemitic activity compared to 2021, the highest level of antisemitic activity since the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) started keeping records in 1979.
“In recent years, antisemitic bigotry has skyrocketed with devastating consequences. As Jews continue to be the single most targeted religious minority in this country, it is imperative that we do everything in our power to protect our communities from hateful violence,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “We all have an obligation to combat hate in all its forms and my office and I will continue to pull every lever of government at our disposal to ensure that these attitudes have no place in New York or America.”
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program awards funds to houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations to invest in security enhancements including safety and security planning, training, and exercises, contract security guards, access/entry controls, security cameras, external lighting and more. Each nonprofit may apply for up to $150,000 in grant funding per site. Funding the program at $360 million would ensure that these grants can provide critical security resources to at-risk institutions in our communities.
The Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of Jewish communities across the world. Due to a lack of resources, the Special Envoy has had to decline invitations for engagement, limiting their ability to combat antisemitism. Additional resources would allow for increased attention and further specialization by the Special Envoy and staff to address the serious and ongoing challenges that exist around the globe to fight antisemitism and protect Jewish communities.
Since taking office, Congressman Goldman has prioritized fighting against bigotry and protecting Jewish communities from hate and violence. Goldman’s grandmother fled from Russia due to antisemitism in 1921.
Last month, Congressman Goldman demanded the Department of Justice provide an overview of law enforcement agencies underreporting hate crimes and bring these agencies into compliance to mitigate hate crimes across the country.
In order to combat decreasing knowledge of the Holocaust, Congressman Goldman cosponsored the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act to improve and expand Holocaust education for future generations.
Congressman Dan Goldman is a member of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism.
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