DHS awards a staggering $94 million in security grants to Jewish organizations as antisemitic attacks reach an alarming 344% five-year increase, with 9,354 incidents reported in 2024 alone.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Homeland Security has allocated $94.4 million in federal grants to enhance security for over 512 Jewish faith-based organizations across the United States.
- Funding comes in response to a dramatic 344% increase in antisemitic incidents over the past five years, with a record 9,354 incidents reported in 2024 alone.
- The grants, part of FEMA’s Non-Profit Security Grant Program, will fund security upgrades including surveillance systems, physical barriers, and intrusion alarms.
- This initiative follows recent terrorist attacks, including the Boulder, CO attack and the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC.
- The Trump administration has emphasized its commitment to ensuring Jewish Americans can live without fear of violence and terrorism.
Rising Antisemitism Prompts Major Federal Response
The Department of Homeland Security has taken decisive action against the surge in antisemitic violence by awarding $94.4 million in security grants to over 512 Jewish faith-based organizations nationwide. This funding, administered through FEMA’s Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP-NSS), comes as the Anti-Defamation League reports a record 9,354 antisemitic incidents in 2024 alone. This represents a staggering 344% increase over the past five years, with much of the recent spike attributed to fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict that began with the October 7 massacre in Israel.
$94 million in grants awarded to Jewish faith-based organizations to prevent ‘violence and terrorism’: DHS https://t.co/xEBdo6LCPX
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Jewish institutions including synagogues, educational facilities, and community centers will use these funds for critical security enhancements such as surveillance systems, reinforced doors, security personnel, and emergency response training. Rabbi Sanford Akselrad from Congregation Ner Tamid highlighted the substantial financial burden these security measures place on Jewish organizations, emphasizing their unfortunate necessity in today’s climate of increased threats and violence.
Defining Modern Antisemitism
The escalation in antisemitic incidents has prompted important discussions about distinguishing legitimate criticism of Israeli policies from actual antisemitism. The nuances of this distinction were addressed by religious leaders who have been on the front lines of combating hate in their communities. These conversations have become increasingly relevant as antisemitic attacks have surged following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict.
The Anti-Defamation League’s alarming statistics reveal that the current wave of antisemitism represents the highest levels recorded since the organization began tracking such incidents decades ago. Recent violent attacks, including the terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, and the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC, have further underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures at Jewish institutions throughout the country.
Trump Administration Takes Strong Stand Against Antisemitism
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin made the administration’s position clear, emphasizing President Trump’s commitment to protecting Jewish Americans from violence and terrorism. The initiative represents a core component of the administration’s broader strategy to combat domestic extremism and protect vulnerable religious communities from targeted attacks. This approach aligns with the President’s consistent support for Israel and Jewish communities both domestically and internationally.
“That this money is necessary at all is tragic. Antisemitic violence has no place in this country. However, under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that Jewish people in the United States can live free of the threat of violence and terrorism,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
The grant program was widely supported by over 40 Jewish organizations and received bipartisan backing in Congress, which appropriated the funds specifically to address the increased threats linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The DHS has indicated that additional grants are anticipated in the coming months, suggesting an ongoing commitment to addressing this critical security issue. All faith-based institutions, including houses of worship, educational facilities, and community centers, were eligible to apply for this round of funding.
Preserving Religious Freedom Through Security
The substantial financial commitment to protecting Jewish institutions reflects the administration’s recognition that religious freedom cannot exist without physical security. In providing these resources, the federal government affirms that American Jews should not have to worship, learn, or gather in fear. The funding acknowledges the hard reality that Jewish organizations have been forced to divert significant portions of their budgets toward security measures rather than their core religious, educational, and community missions.
“DHS is working to put a stop to the deeply disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks across the United States,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
By ensuring the safety and continuity of Jewish institutions, these grants play a pivotal role in preserving the rights and freedoms of religious communities across America. The program represents a strategic effort to address immediate security needs while working toward the longer-term goal of a society where such extensive security measures are no longer necessary. For now, however, this funding provides essential protection for communities facing unprecedented levels of threat and intimidation.
