A $400 million increase in federal funding is out there for security at places of worship, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Sunday.
The money boost comes as follows Concerns about threats against Jewish and Muslim communities are growingpartly fueled by the Israel-Hamas war.
Places reminiscent of synagogues and mosques could apply to make use of the cash to rent security guards or install cameras as a part of the brand new increase in funding for the prevailing federal nonprofit security grants program, said Schumer, a Democrat from New York City.
“We will maintain funding so that no synagogue or other religious institution has to live in the fear they live with now,” Schumer said.
The program provided $305 million last 12 months to nonprofits to guard their facilities from possible attacks.
Three New York City synagogues and the Brooklyn Museum received emailed bomb threats on Saturday, an NYPD spokesman said. The threats prompted the evacuation of two synagogues, but no explosives were found.
Houses of worship must apply by May 21 to take part in the primary round of funding.
