New York, NY, October 17, 2023… ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) and a coalition of national Jewish organizations today sent a letter urging President Biden to include $500 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding to protect synagogues and other Jewish communal institutions as part of an emergency aid package for Israel.
“We have seen time and time again that tensions in the Middle East lead to an increase in antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish institutions and Jewish individuals,” the letter stated. “Many of these incidents appear to have been perpetrated by individuals scapegoating American Jews for the actions of the Israeli government.”
Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO, added: “Threats against synagogues and other Jewish community institutions were already at an all-time high before October 7. With the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza, we expect there will be increased domestic incidents of antisemitism. Congress should act immediately to help keep Jewish institutions safe during this incredibly vulnerable time from acts of terrorism or hate-motivated violence.”
Between October 7 and 16, the ADL Center on Extremism recorded 107 antisemitic incidents across the U.S., 43 of which are believed to be directly linked to the current war in Israel. By comparison during the same period last year, ADL tallied 86 incidents, nine of which were Israel-related.
After Israel reportedly requested $10 billion dollars in emergency security aid, President Biden signaled that he intends to ask Congress for funding for Israeli security needs. The coalition letter urges President Biden to also include domestic Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding within the supplemental request. Earlier this year, the Biden administration released the U.S. National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, calling on Congress to fully fund a budget request of $360 million to increase security in religious places of worship and organizations.
The letter was co-signed by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America; Jewish Federations of North America; American Jewish Committee (AJC); Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America; Hillel International; JCC Association of North America; National Council of Jewish Women; Rabbinical Assembly; Secure Community Network; Union for Reform Judaism (URJ); and United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.